Description

BIDEFORD

842-1/5/236 THE STRAND
19-MAR-73 (South side)
15 AND 16

II
Two terraced houses, originally a single property, early or mid-C17 with early C19 and C20 alterations.
MATERIALS: The houses are constructed of brick and stone and are clad in render. Both properties share a continuous slate roof with a tile ridge.
PLAN: Both houses contain two rooms on each floor with the exception of the second floor of 15 The Strand which has been sub-divided to provide four smaller rooms. A flying freehold exists between the two properties which provides additional floor space on the first floor of 16 The Strand and on the second floor 15 The Strand.
EXTERIOR: The houses are situated within a terrace set back from The Strand with the principal façade facing the north. Both properties are of three storeys and two bays. Each bay contains a window on every floor with the doors situated to the west of each building. Both doorways have simple timber doorhoods, with the hood continued over the west ground floor window of No.15. The windows on the ground floor of both houses consist of six-over-six timber sashes with similarly arranged sashes situated within the first floor of No.16. Three-over-six sashes are situated with the first floor of No. 16 and the second floor of Nos. 15 and 16. A chimney is situated within the party wall to the east of No. 15.
INTERIOR: The main doorway within the principal façade of No. 15 accesses a small entrance lobby within the ground floor front room. The interior retains a segmental headed fireplace within the east elevation of the living room and the kitchen. A quarter-turn stair is located between the living room and the kitchen, which is supported by a timber and stone pier within the south wall of the living room. The front bedroom on the first floor contains an early or mid-C17 decorative plaster ceiling of circular design with floral decoration. The plaster frieze beneath the moulded cornice depicts two winged figures facing one another and holding a cornucopia. A modern staircase has been inserted within the hallway behind the staircase to the first floor.

The ground floor of No. 16 is divided into two rooms. Within the front room the fireplace contains an early C20 timber and tile surround situated within the west elevation. The east elevation is constructed of a timber frame with brick nogging and a fitted cupboard is located in the south wall. Within the room to the rear a winder stair is situated to the northwest corner and a brick fireplace is located within the west wall. Part of the east wall is constructed of timber and cob. On the first floor there is a C17 plaster frieze situated below the ceiling. The east wall consists of C17 panelling contemporary with the plaster frieze.

The roof has a collar beam and trenched purlins with the rafters and principal rafters carried on a large wall-plate between the two properties.

REASON FOR DESIGNATION
Nos. 15 and 16 The Strand are designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* The buildings are of architectural significance as an example of C17 town houses with good quality C19 alterations which enhance the character and appearance of the buildings.
* Both houses retain elements of the original C17 scheme of decoration, including plaster friezes, a decorated plaster ceiling and C17 panelling.

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26505021

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  For the Record
• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of Historic Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
• 
  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
• 
  Building Small Projects (New Best of Fine Woodworking)
• 
  Worcestershire Revised Edition (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)