The Croft, Formerly Tonstall School Tonstall School

The Croft, formerly Tonstall School, is a house built around 1890, with alterations made around 1905. It was designed by George T Brown for Joseph L Thompson, and the interiors were refitted by William J Neatby. The building features red brick and tile-hung walls, topped with plain tile roofs and has two brick chimneys. It is two stories high.

The south front has a central doorway with a glazed door and a wooden hood. Above the door are three single light plain sash windows, and above that is a two-light dormer window. To the right, there is a two-storey canted bay window with three central lights and cross casements, topped by a timber-framed gable featuring two two-light casements. On the left, there is a canted bay window on the ground floor, with a projecting wing above supported by timber posts, which has tile hanging and a three-light cross casement.

The west front has two-storey canted bay windows on either side, both with tile hanging and three-light cross casements. Above each bay window is a timber-framed gable with two two-light casements.

Inside, the interiors primarily date from the 1905 refitting by William J Neatby and include original Art Nouveau style fittings. The staircase hall is panelled and features an open well stair with splat balusters and square newels, along with panelled ceilings and fitted cupboards with stained glass. Most of the remaining rooms retain similar features, including a fine collection of tiled fireplaces with wooden surrounds and tile fronts, many with beaten brass hoods and fittings. Several rooms also have fitted cupboards with stained glass, and doors adorned with similar glass and brass hardware. Some windows also feature stained glass. This building is listed for its extremely rare and unusual Art Nouveau decoration and fittings.