This design commissioned by the Duchy of Cornwall, forms past of a new masterplanned development by Robert Adam Architects, in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. The new village is being constructed in several phases, each built by private housing developers or associations in accordance with comprehensive design requirements and guidelines.

The site for this terrace lies within one of the final phases of the development and it was felt that the implementation of the masterplan would benefit from the appointment of named architects for certain buildings in prominent locations. George Saumarez Smith was selected from a short-list of traditional architects to design a terrace of five 3-storey houses facing an important public space.

The design draws on the local tradition of stone-built terraces with the minimum of architectural enrichment. It is intended to demonstrate that much can be achieved with simple details, careful proportioning, and good local materials. The terrace is given architectural interest by its curved plan and by the pedimented centrepiece on the north side. The north front is built in ashlar stone, the end elevations are lime-washed rubble stone, and the rear is rendered with stone quoins. Construction is due to begin in 2005.