The Elms is a fine example of a Georgian Palladian style villa that counts Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament, among its former tenants. However, the building was subject to a number of unsympathetic and invasive modern alterations. Fortunately, some of the historic features, such as the grand 18th century mahogany staircase, original windows and plasterwork, were preserved, even if partially damaged or concealed by modern additions.