Building record 1985/0/1 - Stonehouse Farmhouse

Stonehouse Farmhouse, Smithy Lane. Inscription over door 'repaired by John Dairies of Manley, 1674'. Of 'singular appearance from its small size & inconsiderable height, contrasted with its projecting gables, bay windows & other details of architecture suited to building of much larger proportions' (1). Present building: Formerly farmhouse, now house. Late C16/early C17, repairs 1674. C18 outshut & extension of early C19. Ashlar gray sandstone, tile roof & 3 brick chimneys. Long rectangular plan with outshut. 2-storey, 5-bay front. Chamfered plinth, cyma- moulded band 1st floor. Right end bay has mullioned & transomed windows. Adjacent 2-storey porch with stone-coped gables, carved kneelers & finials. Arched entrance to porch with stone seats. Above inscribed & dated plaque - 1674. Mullioned & transomed windows. Left end bay brick on stone plinth. Int: 2 lower rms have cambered deeply chamfered ceiling beams, other flat chamfered beam, flat & fillet stop. Other fittings C18 or C19, some wattle & daub. Arch description(2)

<1> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, Ormerod G 1882 2/331 (Book). SCH1389.

<2> Department of the Environment, 1971-2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, /2/54 (Report). SCH1934.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1870-1982, Ordnance Survey Archaeological Record Card, SJ57SW7 1976 (Index). SCH2487.