Many much more sumptuous homes known as townhouses were built as city residences for the nobility and gentry as opposed to their country house or stately home. The grandest of the London townhouses were stand-alone buildings like Spencer House but some were terraced buildings such as Chandos House.
The passage discusses the difference between city residences and country estates, specifically focusing on the construction of luxurious townhouses for the nobility and gentry in cities. It also provides specific examples of these types of houses, such as Spencer House and Chandos House.