Register for Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey
39 Midvale Road, St Helier
This report has been prepared by Jersey Heritage as part of its responsibility under a Service Level Agreement to provide reports and recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Environment on the architectural, historical and archaeological significance of buildings and sites.
The assessment and recommendation are made in accordance with the existing criteria for assessment and designation of historic buildings. The report includes the views and advice offered by the Ministerial Registration and Listing Advisory Group.
Author of report: Roger Hills BA(Hons) MA DipBldgCons (RICS) IHBC Head of Historic Buildings
Date of report: 18 March 2009
File ref: HE0550
Current status
No.39 is currently unregistered.
Relevant interests of the site (see assessment form)
Historic interest
Circa 1840s house.
Architectural interest
The house was built circa 1840s - one of an irregular pair with No.86 Rouge Bouillon, forming the corner of Midvale Road and Rouge Bouillon.
The principal elevation facing Rouge Bouillon retains its integrity and historic character. It is stucco scored in imitation ashlar with smooth rustication to the quoins and an embossed cement name plaque BRIGHTON. PLACE. The fenestration is scaled to give emphasis to the first floor, with original 12-pane sash windows at this level, and shallower 6-pane sashes to the ground and 2nd floors. There are ornate cast iron railings on a dwarf granite wall with dressed stone copings to the front garden - including access gateway. The pattern of railings continues along Rouge Bouillon to the neighbouring properties.
The gable end of the house faces Midvale Road and is contiguous with a projecting rear wing which has been subject to remodelling (particularly at roof level) in the 20th century. The external face of this elevation also appears to be over-clad, and structural strapping is evident. The gable contains the original entrance with c.1840s 2-panel front door with panelled and glazed side screens - the original stair windows on the floors above echoing the fenestration pattern of the principal elevation.
The rear wing presents a largely blank elevation with only a single 6-pane sash window at second floor level with small attic windows above. The rear of the house is of very limited interest with metal-frame windows throughout, and a late 20th century porch / bathroom annex plus electrical sub-station within the garden.
Scenic interest / group value
39 Midvale Road has group value, being part of an irregular pair of houses and contributing to the early-mid C19 townscape in Rouge Bouillon.
Advice offered by MRLAG (and others if stated)
MRLAG discussed the property at its meeting on 9 March 2009. Taking into account the 1840s date of the property, the surviving historic fabric and features, the architectural interest and character of the principal elevation, and its group value and townscape interest, members were unanimous that 39 Midvale Road satisfies the criteria for registration as a BLI.
Jersey Heritage recommendation
Register as BLI.
Justification relating to criteria
The registration of 39 Midvale Road as a BLI is in accordance with the existing criteria for assessment and designation of historic buildings as the house substantially retains its historic form and detail; is of architectural interest for its design and composition; is of historic interest as a 1840s property; and is of scenic and group value.