Magnifisense Building, Spon Street, Coventry

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Set near the western end of Spon Street, the building now occupied by Magnifisense Hair & Body offers yet another view into Coventry’s layered medieval past. With its exposed timber frame, jettied upper floor, and small-pane windows, this structure blends quietly into its historic neighbours, but carries its own unique character and charm.

The building is believed to date from the late 15th or early 16th century and, like many others along this stretch, would have originally served a dual purpose. The lower floor, now home to a modern salon, would once have been a space for trade or craftsmanship, while the upper rooms were reserved for domestic living. The layout reflects the architectural rhythm that defined medieval Coventry, buildings that adapted to both work and home, often within a narrow footprint.

Magnifisense Building, Spon Street, Coventry
Magnifisense Building, Spon Street, Coventry


Though time and modern usage have brought changes to the interior, the external form remains largely faithful to its origins. The timber posts, curved braces, and casement windows have all been carefully maintained or restored. Even simple details, like the low doorway and slightly uneven lines of the frame, hint at centuries of weathering and adaptation.

Now home to a contemporary beauty business, the building demonstrates once again how Spon Street has embraced change without erasing the past. The Magnifisense building stands as a quiet, working piece of heritage, offering a glimpse of medieval Coventry’s domestic life while continuing to serve the everyday needs of the city’s residents.

Happy travelling.

A few other heritage structures of Spon Street

Location: Spon St, Coventry CV1, UK

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