Historic Front Doors
by Michael Doyle
The Historic Doorways of Round Hill:
Preserving Character, One Entrance at a Time
This article is the first in a series exploring the proposed Round Hill conservation area character appraisal's findings.
The doorways of Round Hill are more than just entrances — they’re portals into the area’s rich architectural heritage. As highlighted in the recently released Round Hill Conservation Area Appraisal, prepared by the Round Hill Society, these architectural features play a vital role in defining the character of our unique Brighton neighbourhood.
Rooted in Regency and Italianate styles, many of Round Hill’s buildings were designed to make a statement at the threshold. Original doors, with their carefully crafted proportions and classical details, set the tone for the homes they guard. Whether it's a solid timber panelled door or a decorative surround inspired by ancient Greek and Roman motifs, these features were never just functional — they were proudly expressive.
Look at the illustrations (below) and see if you can spot your front door.
1. Arched doorway and archivolt, Round Hill Crescent
2. Tuscan doorway, Ditchling Road
3. Tuscan doorway, Ditchling Road
4. Pedimented doorways with plaster mouldings, Richmond Road
5. Double pedimented doorways with plaster mouldings, Richmond Road
6. Tuscan doorway, Crescent Road
7. Tuscan doorway with radius cornered arch
8. Tuscan doorway with cambered arch
9. Doorway with scroll brackets in Wakefield Road
10. Double doorway in Wakefield Road
11. Pedimented doorway in D'Aubigny Road
12. Double doorway with bracketed cornice and acanthus leaf detail.
13. Single doorway with bracketed cornice and acanthus leaf detail
14. Tuscan doorway with vemiculated key stone.
You’ll often find shallow porches framing the entrances — elegant, open structures that include recessed doorways, pilasters, and bracketed cornices or Tuscan-style entablatures. These subtle touches not only add grandeur but help elevate otherwise modest façades.
However, the appraisal warns of a growing threat: unsympathetic alterations and low-quality modern replacements are slowly eroding this distinctive charm. Retaining and repairing original doors and architectural elements wherever possible is crucial to protecting the area’s historic fabric.
Next time you walk the streets of Round Hill, take a moment to notice the doors and their details—they form part of the unique character of our historic neighbourhood.
This page was last updated by Ted on 03-Jul-2025