Rockforest Lodge

Detached five-bay two-storey house, built c. 1810, having three-bay west and two-bay east elevations, portico to front, single-storey addition to east and lower two-bay two-storey extension to rear. Hipped slate roof to main block, with overhanging eaves and rendered chimneystacks, hipped slate roof to rear extension and flat roofs to portico and east addition. Painted rendered walls, with render quoins to front corners of main block. Square-headed window openings, front and side elevations of main block having timber sliding sash windows and limestone sills, six-over-six pane windows to first floor, middle bay of front elevation being tripartite, and nine-over-six pane to ground floor. Nine-over-six pane window to middle bay of rear elevation. Camber-headed six-over-six pane windows to east addition, set into square-headed openings. Replacement uPVC windows elsewhere. Portico comprises render entablature and architrave with molulded cornice, over Doric-style painted rendered columns and pilasters, with plinths. Square-headed door opening with glazed overlights and sidelights, latter paned and having panelled risers, and timber panelled door. Three-bay single-storey gate lodge to north-west, having hipped slate roof and brick chimneystack, painted rendered walls, and square-headed openings with replacement casement windows, and timber panelled door. Entrance gateway comprises painted rendered curving walls with square-profile inner and outer piers rusticated to front, with caps, and double-leaf, spear-headed cast-iron vehicular and pedestrian entrances. Farmyard complex to south of house, built c. 1820, comprising two ranges of rubble sandstone outbuildings. Seven-bay two-storey south range having pitched corrugated-iron roof, and square-headed openings with two-over-two pane windows and render sills and some timber battened doors. Eight-bay single-storey west range having pitched artificial slate roof, and square-headed openings with two-over-two pane windows and render sills and timber battened half-doors. Rubble sandstone walls to yard having carriage arch to east with roughly dressed sandstone voussoirs.

This house is notable for its retention of timber sash windows, typically nine-over-six pane to the ground floor, and the somewhat later and relatively simple portico, which enhances the entrance doorway. The house, in conjunction with its notable outbuildings, entrance gates and lodge, forms an interesting group of related structures. The farmyard ranges are solidly constructed with good quality materials. The carriage arch to east is well-executed and provide context to the site. The complex provides insight into nineteenth-century farming methods.