What colour render?

[oldbirdy]

I live in a red brick Northern town. I have a Victorian semi rammed full of original features internally. Externally some utter git half rendered and half painted it back in the late 80s. We had to get some structural work done and decided to try to restore the front. Paint has been acid washed off and attempts made to remove the render, but it's becoming clear that the render has severely damaged the bricks beneath and it won't be possible to restore. The lower bricks now exposed from beneath their paint are also in less than great condition. So we have with heavy hearts been advised that the cleanest look will be achieved by a full render. We are restoring wooden (mock) sash windows which we intended to have white. We have a chalky blue front door with stained glass panelling.

What colour render should we go with?
White - but what if it gets discoloured with dirt in this grimy city? And will the windows just disappear?
Off white?
Cream?
Grey? I think this would look nice with windows and doors but would it date badly?

Anyone got any advice?

(our semi neighbour is half rendered like us. All other houses on street lucky enough to have avoided this desecration and are red brick frontage).

Following with interest. Ours is a vile apricot colour (previous owner had no taste or style.)
I'm undecided between white, a cream (which most of the other neighbours have gone for) or a pale grey. I just wonder if the grey might look gloomy rather than stylish.

I would go for a grey to set of the windows

it's becoming clear that the render has severely damaged the bricks beneath and it won't be possible to restore

Ow :-(

I think light grey render with white windows looks lovely.
Also very crisp white render.

Have a play on this site OP www.protectyourwalls.co.uk/colours.htm
Disclaimer, I found it on Google.