Greenthwaite Hall

Description

Farmhouse and extension, now divided into 2 dwellings. Mid C16 with alterations and additions dated and inscribed over entrance (Here we consider ourselves sojourners, in Latin) M & D H 1650 (Miles & Dorothy Halton), under Halton coat-of-arms dated 1660. Thick walls of pink sandstone rubble with flush quoins, under graduated greenslate roof with coped gables and kneelers; diagonal stone chimney stacks. 2 storeys, 3 bays and left 3-bay extension with centre 3-storey gabled stone porch under common roof. Lower right-angled 2-storey extension of 2 builds, 3 bays, forming overall F-shape. Entrance to original house has been lost in later extensions; 2-, 3- and 4-light chamfered stone-mullioned windows under hoodmoulds. 1650 porch and left extension are in a similar style, the porch with a Tudor-arched doorway and the 2-, 3- and 4-light windows under continuous hoods which are carried around the side walls of the porch. Left extension has C20 door in stone architrave, the present front door to Greenthwaite Hall Farmhouse. Porch and extension have ornamented strapwork panels between floors. Right-angled extension has central stonework joint. The left part has 2-, 3- and 4-light stone-mullioned windows, the 4-light window under a strapwork panel. The right part has C20 door in stone architrave, the present entrance to Greenthwaite Hall Cottage. The rear of the main house has a central stonework joint; the left part is the earlier house and the right part the 1650 extension. Both parts have similar 2- and 3-light chamfered stone-mullioned windows, one on the left now a C20 doorway, all under hoodmoulds. Left return wall has blocked small chamfered-surround windows. Right return wall has upper-floor blocked 2-light windows. Interior of the oldest part has in its principal room a large C16 arched stone fireplace and beamed ceiling. The windows have segmental splayed arches. Outbuildings, now used as garages, dated and inscribed HCH 1904 (Henry Charles Howard) are not of interest. (Listed Building Report)

Comments

Fine example of C16 hall house in an area where many house of the this status and quality had a fortified element. This house however was not fortified which shows such fortification was not a necessity in this area (as is sometimes suggested) although this house is close to Greystoke castle.