Decorating Westbourne Grove Terrace

Westbourne Grove Terrace is a short residential street in the Westbourne Grove area of Notting Hill, W2, composed of mid-Victorian stucco-fronted houses built in the 1860s as part of the great westward expansion of London beyond Bayswater. The properties are substantial four- and five-storey terraced houses with the characteristic deep cornice, bracketed balconies, and pilastered doorcases typical of the speculative Italianate development that swept this part of the capital. Today many houses are divided into lateral apartments sought after for their generous room heights and proximity to Westbourne Grove's boutiques and restaurants.

The deep stucco cornices and bracketed balcony soffits on Westbourne Grove Terrace are prone to cracking and delamination if moisture penetrates at parapet level, so correct surface preparation with flexible filler and a breathable masonry topcoat is critical before repainting. First and second floor balcony ironwork should be wire-brushed and primed with zinc-rich primer before applying a satin finish.