551 AND 553, SOUTHPORT ROAD

This early 18th-century house, now divided into two dwellings, was altered and restored in 1809. It is constructed of handmade brick with stone dressings and a stone slate roof. The building has a double-depth, two-bay plan with a projecting porch. It is three storeys high and symmetrical, with horizontal bands of brick on two levels - the lower band consisting of two courses of brick, and the upper band of three courses. A stone slate coping runs along the roofline. The central porch, two storeys high and with a monopitched roof, contains a segmental-headed window on the first floor and a datestone inscribed “Rd” above the upper band. The front elevation has two windows on each floor, all replacements from 1809 consisting of two-light casements within square stone surrounds and keystones above the window heads. A small, lean-to wooden porch has been inserted to the left of the main porch, leading to a new entrance. Chimney stacks are visible at both gables. The left gable wall has small two-light sliding sash windows on the first and second floors towards the rear, while the right gable wall has a modern ground floor addition, an altered window at first floor level, and a stone doorcase on the second floor. The doorcase has been blocked and altered to serve as a window. A small window is present on the rear elevation at first floor level. The interior has not been inspected, but may contain features of interest.