Matfen Hall

Matfen Hall is a country house built between 1828 and 1830 by architect Rickman and completed by Sir Edward Blackett for his own use. It is constructed of ashlar stone and features a Lakeland slate roof, showcasing a Jacobethan style. The main block is symmetrical and consists of two storeys plus attics, with five bays that project forward from the wall face. The central and outer bays are highlighted by two-storey canted bay windows. All windows are mullioned-and-transomed with roll-moulded surrounds, and each bay has a parapet with pierced diamond-shaped panels, topped with shaped gables over the outer bays. A similar design is found in the three-bay section that is recessed to the left. The gabled roof is adorned with several tall, octagonal corniced stacks.

The entrance front, facing north, features a main block of three storeys and seven bays. It has a prominent central porch tower with a Tudor-arched doorway, above which is the Blackett shield and motto, along with an elaborate canted oriel window on the first floor. To the right, there is a symmetrical six-bay service wing with three-storey outer bays and a central section that has mullion-and-transom windows on the ground floor, along with gabled half-dormers above. Beyond this is the stable court, which includes four Tudor-arched carriage entries.

Inside, the hall is very large and full-height, featuring two tiers of pointed arches along the south side. The first-floor windows have Geometric tracery on the north and east sides, while a huge Geometric window with stained glass is located on the west side. There is a Gothic oak staircase with castellated newels and a hammer-beam roof. The drawing room contains a white marble fireplace by Chantrey, embellished with female figures in the jambs and shells in the frieze. The former library features an early 17th-century fireplace with terms and an overmantel decorated with strapwork and demi-figures. In the west wing, there is a late 17th-century staircase with twisted balusters, as well as a very slender cantilevered spiral stair with a smooth sweeping soffit.

Matfen Hall is currently used as a Cheshire Home.