Building record 255/2/5 - The Moat House, Poole Hall

<1> Architectural History Practice, 2007, Poole Hall, Nantwich, Cheshire, R4591 (Client Report). SCH9204.

The Tithe Map of 1842 depicts Poole Hall along with three other buildings - the 'coach house' to the north of the house, 'moat cottage' at the north end of the moat and a single range of stables to the north-east of house. Moat cottage, with a second cottage built by the time of the 1872 OS map, were positioned to take advantage of a picturesque view, embellished further by the buildings' décor and gardens. Oddly, the cottage directly faces the Hall's own garden areas, reducing privacy of the family. It was a well designed and built building and could have been used for extended family or visitors, perhaps rather than staff. Built in brick with stone lintels.

<2> Peter de Figueiredo (Independent Consultant), 2016, Outbuildings at Poole Hall, Nantwich, Cheshire: Heritage Statement, R4592 (Client Report). SCH9205.

Moat cottage faces the moat and the formal gardens and acts as an eyecatcher at the end of the long stretch of water of the moat. The first phase of building dates to the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, with the second phase circa 1870. The two cottages are arranged back to back. The front elevation comprises three bays with a shallow projecting gabled centrepiece with an off-centre door with lunette above. The outer bays consist of casement windows to ground and first floors. It is brick on an ashlar plinth with stone sills and lintels. In the early twentieth century, a verandah with clay tiled roof was attached to the front elelvation (as illustrated on a post card). The north elevation is plainer with four windows and central door. Another photograph (mid-nineteenth century?) shows that the upper floor of the rear cottage was originally faced in half timbers and rendering, with a central projecting porch. Each cottage has two rooms on ground and first floor levels with central staircase.