Beech House

Beech House is a house dating to circa 1800, built for William Craven, a papermaker. It incorporates a section of a mid to late 18th century farmhouse, and a 20th century extension. The main part of the house is constructed of ashlar, with a stone slate roof, and is arranged over two levels. It was originally designed with a double-depth plan and was formerly three bays, now extended to four bays. The original design was symmetrical, with the earlier farmhouse set back on the left end. The building features a moulded string course. The front has a plain central doorway with an 8-pane overlight, sheltered by a straight canopy supported on scrolled brackets. There are two French windows at ground floor, with margin panes and moulded surrounds, and three 16-pane sashes at the first floor, similarly treated. A 20th century extension to the right replicates the style and materials of the original, though the masonry is variegated in colour. A moulded cornice and low parapet top the facade, with gable chimneys. The earlier section to the left has two lower storeys and one bay, with a doorway near the junction of the two elements, a 2-light window at ground floor, and a 3-light window above, both featuring flat-faced flush-mullions and glazing bars. The rear of the house is in a similar style.

Inside, there is a dog-legged open-string staircase with slender turned balusters and a ramped handrail with a wreathed curtail. Moulded plaster cornices and panelled doorcases are also present.