Whinneyclough Farmhouse

Whinneyclough Farmhouse dates to 1706, with a rear addition of 1757, and has been altered since. The farmhouse is constructed of coursed sandstone rubble, mostly roughcast, with quoins. It has a slate roof with a gable chimney to the left, and formerly to the right. The building has an L-shaped plan, comprising a three-bay front range built in 1706 and a stepped two-bay rear wing added in 1757.

The farmhouse is two storeys high and displays a near-symmetrical facade. It has a plinth, exposed masonry at ground floor ending at a continuous dripcourse which steps over the front door. The doorway features a moulded surround, and above the door is a square panel carved with a shield and helm (the arms of the Cawthorne family), surrounded by foliated decoration, and dated "17" "06" in the bottom corners. There are two four-light chamfered mullion windows at ground floor, with a two-light firewindow to the left. Above, three similar three-light windows are visible on the first floor. Each gable wall has a two-light window at ground floor and a square attic window.

The added rear wing, also of coursed rubble with quoins, has a doorway to the first bay, an enlarged window at ground floor, and a square window above. A setback second bay incorporates lean-to additions in the angle and to the rear.

The interior of the front range now has a central passage between what was originally a house part on the left and service rooms on the right; however, the passage partition is a later addition. The partition between the service rooms has been removed, and a door to the former dairy is blocked but still detectable. The back kitchen of the rear wing incorporates a stone lintel bearing the inscription “E (= George Eccles) G I 1757”.

Historically, Whinneyclough Farmhouse was owned by the Hoghton family in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was bought in 1657 by John Bamber, a merchant, and in 1681 by William Cawthorne. In 1754, it was sold to Henry Eccles.