Ackhurst Lodge

Ackhurst Lodge is a lodge dating from 1842, built as an entrance feature to Astley Hall. The lodge is constructed using a box frame method on a plinth of large stone blocks, with wattle-and-daub infill, although part of the rear range is rendered brick with applied timber. It has a stone slate roof with a brick chimney at the left gable and behind the rear ridge. The lodge has a roughly square plan with a separately roofed parallel rear range. It is two storeys high and features a three-bay design. The external appearance is characterized by black timber framing and white panels, with bands of closely-spaced rails and short posts at the first floor and eaves levels. Decorative panelling, angle bracing, and arch bracing are also present. A two-storey gabled porch is centrally located, featuring a Tudor-arched lintel above the entrance. The ground floor has two large wooden cross windows with diamond-lattice glazing. A smaller two-light window is located at the right end of the first floor, and there are various other windows all in a similar style. A large external chimney stack at the left gable has two flues, disguised to appear as four, with zigzag brickwork that complements the chimney on the west side of Astley Hall and that is crenellated at the top.