Belle Vue (Public Library)

HOPWOOD LANE 1. 1164 Belle Vue (Public Library) (formerly listed as Hopwood Lane Public Library & Museum) SE 0825 SW 12/204 3.ll.54 II* 2. 1856-7. By G H Stokes incorporating smaller earlier C19 house. Built as a private residence for (Sir) Frank Crossley. Stone mansion in later C17/early C18 French style. 2 main storeys. Pedimented, and embellished tripartite centre with 3 windows either side. Rusticated strip pilasters to ground storey and order of Ionic pilasters above. Steep hipped slated roof with Shaped dormer windows and chimney stacks. Doric carriage porch to short south return with segmental pediment etc above. Plainer continuation (original house) and long screen wall to former service yard. 5 windows to north with wrought iron railing to 1st floor balconies and segmental pediments either end, Good iron-framed conservatory projects beyond with arcading, arched roof and bowed end. Irregular buildings some of interest beyond again. Interior has decoration of interest in main rooms but particularly of note for arched corridors on 2 floors and very grand marble stair with arcaded upper part. Original house not of intrerest in itself.

Listing NGR: SE0845925068