Appraisal

No. 64, Neal Street

Listed at grade II, no. 64, Neal Street was almost certainly built in the 1690s and is one of the best preserved of the original Seven Dials houses. The property is a 17^th century survival of three storeys with a further storey contained within the roof-slope. There are two 6-over-6 subdivided windows at first and second floor levels, set flush with the face of the brickwork.

The interior retains the original dog-leg staircase with turned balusters and panelled rooms at first and second floor level with original fireplaces.

The shopfront with simple pilasters dates from the early-19^th century. The house was well restored by the GLC Historic Buildings Division in the early 1980s. The old brickwork has been kept an appropriate dark colour. An ornamental, iron bracket projects from the face of the property above the shopfront. The early-19^th century shopfront was well-restored but is currently painted white. The discrete, externally-illuminated fascia carries sign-written lettering. However, the frontage is spoilt by a projecting, externally illuminated, projecting box-sign.

A building of special architectural and historic interest and particular townscape value, contributing very positively to the character, appearance and significance of the Seven Dials Conservation Area.

Encouragement should be given to repainting the shopfront in traditional, dark colour and to the removal of the projecting box-sign.