Oxley Croft Hall Of Residence Leeds University

This is a large house, now a hall of residence for Leeds University, dating to 1898. It was designed by Francis W Bedford for Joseph Hartley Wicksteed. The construction uses snecked gritstone with ashlar detailing, topped with a cement tile roof. The building follows an L-shaped plan, with a three-bay entrance wing and a four-bay rear range including cellars and an attic. It is constructed in a Vernacular Revival style.

The front of the house facing the road has a moulded segmental arch to a single-story porch in the centre, with a carved stone parapet above. A narrow lancet window is to the left, and a three-light inner window features decorative leaded glass. A gabled bay to the left has king mullions to five- and four-light mullion and transom windows. A tall, four-flue, chamfered stack runs along the ridge to the right of the centre. The garden front features a doorway with a moulded surround, an oak door with strap hinges, and a deep wooden porch with a lead roof. There are three- and two-light windows to the first and attic stories, the attic window within a gable with a chamfered chimney stack to the right. A canted bay window is located to the left. A projecting entrance wing to the left has a canted bay window on the ground floor, and a four-light mullion and transom window above, with a central king mullion. A carved gable sundial displays the date "1898" in raised lettering. The rear of the building has projecting gabled bays for the central two rooms (service rooms), marked with "1898" on the rainwater heads.

Inside, the original front door is constructed from oak planks with fillets, strap hinges, a latch and letter box. The inner porch has an electric wall lantern. Principal rooms retain original floorboards. A hall features pegged panelling and a large inglenook-style fireplace with a moulded sneck post, stone surround, and a "firewindow" with stained glass depicting an owl. A stained-glass roundels with biblical and sea scenes are within a hall window. A doorway to the left accesses a main living room with a six-panel door, panelled dado, cupboards, a fire surround, and shelving. A timber-framed staircase has heavy splat balusters, and a built-in bench. A corridor leads to the service rooms, with red quarry tile flooring. Adjoining is the former dining room, with a dark wood-panelled surround to the fireplace, although few details are visible. The rear kitchen showcases green and blue glazed and moulded tiles, and a white tiled stove recess. Service stairs are located to the side of a garden door, leading to a rear laundry room with white glazed brick walls.

The house was originally built for Joseph Wicksteed, possibly associated with the Kitson firm. Initially named 'The Croft' and later 'Weetwood Croft,' it was subsequently renamed when it became a university hall of residence.