Friday Photo – Frederick Street Townhouse

I’m back in the Jewellery Quarter for this week’s Friday Photo. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever really left. There are just too many wonderful buildings with stories to tell.

This Friday, we’re on Frederick Street which is home to the most well-known group of detached and semi-detached properties in the Jewellery Quarter dating from the early 19th century. Frederick Street Townhouse, or No. 26 Frederick Street as it’s also known, is no exception. The house was constructed between 1824 and about 1830, and from around 1938, the house was occupied by Josiah Cox Woodhill, his wife and two children. Josiah, who worked as a ‘factor’ must have been doing well in his business, because this house, although modest in detailing, was designed to be noticed.

This property and others on the stretch were of slightly lower status than the surrounding villas. This three-storey building with its fine stucco facade with Italianate detailing would have certainly stopped people in their tracks and been a favourite as it still is today, I’m sure.

Today the building has started a new chapter in its history; it recently opened as a charming 16-bedroom boutique hotel. The renovation looks great from what I can see! My only suggestion would be to replace the astro turf in the front garden with a lawn or a lovely flower border! But then again, I know I’m obsessed with gardens.