Former North Lodge to Rookwood House

Cadw's description

Location

On S side of Road, opposite Broadcasting House.

History

Built c1881. Formerly lodge to Rookwood House (now Rookwood Hospital). The architect was possibly John Prichard, of Llandaff, or GE Halliday , Prichard's assistant, known to have been working at the main house at this time.

Exterior

Built of red/brown Radyr stone, with yellow and red brickwork in bands and patterns, half-timbering; red tiled roofs (main slopes have some courses of scalloped tiles); tall polygonal chimneys in red brick.
West elevation (to drive) has, to right, elaborate gable boldly projecting over ground floor; deeply projecting bargeboards with arch-bracing; red and yellow brick with banding, zig-zags and relieving arch as well as half-timbering; 3-light casement window flanked by mosaic panels, apparently a c1920 alteration. This is supported on wooden posts forming 2 bays of verandah; on ground floor, splayed bay window. Wooden balustrade to verandah (three bays to left now glazed). Above, to left, gabled dormer to in yellow brick and half-timbering has a 2-light window.
South elevation has slightly projecting first floor gable in yellow brick; half timbered; deep eaves to gable are shaped into trefoil and pierced by star; cruciform casement window; no openings in stone ground floor; polygonal brick chimney to left.
East elevation (stone) has Gothic doorway with yellow brick dressings, 2-light casement window to right, slit window to left, late C20 yellow brick addition with 3-light casement window and tiled lean-to roof to left. Above this, to left, gable in yellow brick, half-timbered. To right, boarded door under lean-to. Group of four polygonal brick chimneys to centre.
North elevation has yellow brick half-timbered gable with 3-light casement window, and further door under tiled roof.

Interior

Interior not seen at resurvey.

Reason for designation

Included as a striking High Victorian lodge, which is well-preserved, with an ambitious multiplicity of forms and use of polychromy.