Behind the Facade: The Story of an Arts and Crafts building at 24 South Embankment, Dartmouth

Perched on South Embankment, the building at Number 24 presents a striking example of Arts and Crafts architecture within Dartmouth's historic landscape. While its ground floor now hosts a restaurant and the upper floors are sought-after apartments with commanding views across the River Dart, its origins lie in a different era.

Constructed in 1895 as offices for the coal bunkering firm Renwick Wilton & Co, the building was designed to celebrate craftsmanship over mass production. Its design showcases core principles of the Arts and Crafts movement:

The building proudly displays the hallmarks of this movement, from its thoughtfully crafted details to its use of natural materials. Keep an eye out for:

• The elegance of the arched windows.

• The intricate decorative stonework.

• The beautiful stained glass, visible on the side of the building.

• The skilled, handcrafted fireplaces and wooden doors inside.

These features celebrate simplicity and traditional craftsmanship, a powerful message embedded in the walls of this stunning riverside property.

Watercolour illustration of Bushell's restaurant, Dartmouth