228 and 230, Leeds Road

This is a mid-17th century farmhouse, later divided into two cottages, situated on Leeds Road in Lofthouse. It is a building of group value, recognized for its significant architectural and historical interest. The farmhouse is constructed of handmade red brick in a stretcher bond, with a stone slate roof and a modern brick chimney. The building has a U-shaped plan, comprising a lobby-entry hall range, a cross-wing to the right, a separately-roofed cross-wing to the left, and an outshut to the rear.

The two-storey facade features a porch in the angle of the right wing. The porch has a depressed-arched, chamfered outer doorway, above which is a large rectangular sandstone panel bearing heavily worn carvings (further details are recorded in the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments). A stepped parapet sits above the panel, and there's a recessed window with a hollow-moulded brick surround to the left. A similar window with a rendered surround is located at first-floor level above the porch. To the left of the porch, large altered windows are present on both floors, interspersed with smaller altered windows. The rear of the left wing has a small window with a hollow-moulded brick surround. Gables of the wings feature modern, enlarged windows, the upper window of the left wing having a stone dripband. The return wall of the right wing incorporates a six-light window with rendered brick mullions and transom.

The rear of the building is characterised by a catslide roof that extends down to a single-storey height.

Inside, a complete Jacobean staircase remains, consisting of a single flight with turned balusters, square newels topped with finials, and returning. Two important plaster ceilings are also preserved. Visible timber framing suggests a possible aisled hall, which contains an inglenook with a chamfered bressemer and a stone-flagged floor. Two brick fireplaces with four-centred arches are present. Many original doors are retained, as is much of the house’s original roof structure.