Search for listed buildings

Description: Nos. 21/23 (Longfield House) including wall to north front and railings

Address: Longfield House 21/23 Towngate Heptonstall Hebden Bridge West Yorkshire HX7 7LW

Grade: II

Group detail: Town Gate (south side) Heptonstall

Full description:
House, 2nd quarter C18. Finely dressed stone, stone slate roof. 2 storeys and attic. 2 cells, double depth with central through passage. 5-bay symmetrical facade originally, marred by the insertion of an extra window in C19 between 4th an 5th bay. Doorway with architrave, pulvinated frieze and triangular pediment. All are cross-windows with plain stone surrounds raised from the surface of the wall with flat faced mullions and transoms which are chamfered internally. Wide coped gables with well dressed stacks, the coping carries under the stacks. Rear has doorway with cyma moulded surround under tall cross-window to light stair at mezzanine level. To left 3-light flat faced mullioned windows. To right 4-light window to each floor. Interior: Dog-leg stair with half landing has C19 square balusters but retains original panelled dado with raised and fielded panels of similar character to Lane Head House, Smithwell Lane (q.v.) which is dated 1735. It is probable this was executed by the same craftsman and is contemporary. Stair-window set within plastered semi-circular arch with moulded impost to pilasters. Over stairwell is plaster ceiling; cornice, raised ribs for rectangles and spandrels surrounding oval dome with central shell motif. Underneath the stair, steps lead to an original cellar which has 2 vaulted ranges connected by chamfered doorway and lit by mullioned windows. To front is dressed stone wall with copings which ramp to east end surmounted by cast iron rod railings with some urn finials. The house is prominently sited facing north onto the main street of the village. It marks a significant departure from the local type, both in its form and decorative detail. RCHM (England) report.