Perched on one of Plymouth’s most spectacular waterfront sites, 22 Grand Parade enjoys unrivalled panoramic views across West Hoe, Plymouth Sound and Drake’s Island.
Known as The Anchorage, the house is home to a retired naval commander and his wife, whose shared passions for travel, art and antiques have shaped a richly layered interior filled with treasured possessions and artefacts collected over a lifetime of adventures.
The five-storey Edwardian townhouse, distinguished by its ornate façades, balconies and intricate roofscape, has undergone an extensive three-year renovation. The brief was to create a comfortable and energy-efficient family home while preserving the architectural character and craftsmanship that make the building so special.
Significant upgrades to the building fabric have improved thermal performance and reduced heat loss throughout the property. Internally, every room has been carefully restored and finished with bespoke elements including a handcrafted kitchen, library, built-in joinery and specialist plaster mouldings. A vibrant palette runs throughout the house, culminating in the striking gold, turquoise and Moroccan blue staircase that forms the heart of the home.
Externally, all windows and doors have been replaced with high-performance double-glazed units, precisely replicating the original fenestration patterns while providing the durability required for this exposed coastal location.
One of the most complex aspects of the project was the complete reconstruction of the roof. The original timber truss structure had become unstable, requiring the rebuilding of the mansards, corner dormers and decorative parapets. The new hand-cut roof combines salvaged Delabole slate with Grade A1 Spanish slate and is finished with exceptional leadwork throughout.
The restoration also included the piano nobile balcony, which spans the full width of the principal façade. Previously affected by movement, cracking and water ingress, the cantilevered stone and steel structure has been strengthened and carefully repaired. The cast-iron balustrade and mahogany handrail have likewise been restored, returning this important architectural feature to its original grandeur.
22 Grand Parade demonstrates how historic buildings can be sensitively adapted for modern living – improving performance and longevity while safeguarding the architectural qualities that define their character and heritage.
