Description

R H Watherston and A Craig (of J. Watherston and Sons), built 1906 -1907. 5-storey and basement (6 storeys to rear (N) irregular plan tenement block in plain classical style. Set at corner, on ground falling steeply to N; slightly advanced from line of terrace to E; angled corner bays. Sandstone ashlar; channelled at ground floor. Banded base course. Moulded cill course at ground, 1st and 2nd floors. Deep corniced cill course at 4th floors. Corniced eaves course. Full-height 3-light corniced canted bays; bipartite architraved windows to S; full height bowed bays to W.

W (DOUGLAS GARDENS) ELEVATION: advanced section to left (N) with full height bowed bays and rectangular tripartite bays to far left (W). Prominent stone parapet with cast-iron lamp to right, leading to doorway in re-entrant angle right. Regular fenestration; prominent wallhead stack to far right.

Predominantly plate glass in timber sash and case windows; some plate glass over 2-pane timber casements to larger windows. Bowed glazing to bays at W elevation. Double pitch M-section roof. Corniced ashlar ridge parapet and gable end stacks with modern clay cans. Cast-iron railings on ashlar coping stone edging basement recess to street at S elevation. Cast-iron rainwater goods.

INTERIOR: includes lift access to flats.

Statement of Interest

This is a well-planned block designed specifically as flats incorporating a lift. The construction of a purpose-built block of flats is unusual in the context of the New Town site, making this block an unusual building type for this part of Edinburgh. The block is large and well-proportioned, and the flats were clearly designed as high status accommodation from their inception. The block uses the corner site well, and because of its large size, provides a good piece of streetscape. The different treatment of the W and S elevation show how it was intended to fit in with the architecture of Rothesay Terrace on the S elevation, whilst the rectangular bays of the W elevation are more characteristic of the buildings along Palmerston Place and Douglas Gardens (see separate listings).

The Watherston's practice built large parts of Edinburgh's West End speculatively, often conforming to the plans of the Walker and Heriot Trusts. The practice functioned as both architects and builders, and as well as their work in Edinburgh the firm also did country house work in the same way. The Watherston office was also responsible for the design of Nos. 17 and 18 Rothesay Place (see separate listing) which illustrates the variety of sources which they drew upon in their designs.

References from previous list description: Walker Trust; Dean of Guild Petitions; John Watherston and Sons Records.

(List description revised 2009 as part of re-survey.)

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17806587

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.

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