Strand House

Detached four-bay three-storey over basement house, built c. 1860, having double gables and portico to front (west) elevation, and gabled canted end-bays to south and rear elevations. Single-bay single-storey lean-to to west elevation. pitched slate roofs with rendered chimneystacks. Painted rendered walls having render foliate plaques to corners, render plinth course with gargoyles. Pointed arch openings having painted brick surrounds, continuous sill courses with gargoyles and replacement uPVC windows. Pointed arch recessed niche to front elevation with foliate consoles. Pitched slate roof to portico having heraldic finial and render copings terminating in gargoyles. Composite-style pilasters having marble shafts and ornate plinths. Pointed arch opening with half-glazed timber panelled door. Flight of rendered steps to entrance.

This house is a notable example of Victorian Gothic revival domestic architecture. The decorative gargoyles are an unusual feature and continue the Gothic theme. The interesting and finely crafted features such as the foliate plaques and ornate entrance surround, add further visual interest to the façade. This house, built by D. L. Lewis, was erected with the intention of capitalizing on the anticipated influx of people it was assumed the new rail network would ultimately introduce. They were not a success, however, and caused the bankruptcy of Lewis.