Cottages at Groes Hall

Cadw's description

Location

Located within private grounds at the N end of the village of Groes; reached by private driveway off the B5428, the cottages are located just N of the junction of the B5428 and the A543, and SW of Groes Hall.

History

Late C19 range, built as the stables with accommodation for groom, for Groes Hall; converted into 2 dwellings with garages at the far right (E) end in the early C20.

Exterior

Linear 2-storey range, formerly lofted stables, now 2 x 2-window cottages with a single window linking block between and garages at the far right (E) end; each cottage has a small lean-to porch to the front, and lean-to and flat roofed additions to the rear of stone and brick construction, repaired with concrete blocks. The main range is built of rubble masonry laid roughly to courses, the front elevation is roughcast rendered; slate roof with tiled ridge and slate copings, the roof line stepped up to the right (E) of the middle entrance. There are 2 rendered ridge stacks along the range, one between the two windows of each cottage.

The 2 cottages are stepped up the slope with lower 3 window range to the left, 2 window range to right above. Lower range has doorway to right onto passage serving both houses, lean-to porch with side entry to left; 2 small-paned casement windows to ground floor and 3 similar windows in catslide dormers above. Upper cottage is similarly detailed as 2-window range, with lean-to porch to right. Long blank wall of former coachhouse range beyond. Rear elevation of cottages retain small windows and some evidence of earlier openings now blocked. Small lean-to on lower cottage, and brick outshut to upper cottage. Former coachhouse has tall central doorway with slate sill and brick jambs flanked by wide openings; that to left retaining double doors with small-paned glazing, that to right infilled in brick. Higher roofed corrugated iron shed with cart entry through above.

Reason for designation

Included as an integral part of the estate at Groes Hall. The cottages retain the simple character of their conversion for domestic use, while the range retains features of the basic plan and layout of its original use as stables for the Hall.