Grove Hall

DARRINGTON GREAT NORTH ROAD SE42SE (east side, off) 5/20 Grove Hall - - II Large house, now partly flats and part empty. Early to mid C18, altered and enlarged in C19. Roughcast render covering magnesian limestone and brick, composition tile roof. Now irregular plan, the principal and earliest element rectangular and double depth, with a set-back receding wing added at the right-hand end, a wing added to the rear of the left and centre, and later addition to the left end and rear left corner. Principal facade of 3 storeys and 5 bays, symmetrical, has a Tuscan colonnaded and glazed verandah added to the whole of the ground floor (the columns of sandstone and the triglyphed frieze of wood), the flat roof enclosed by later railings; within the verandah, the ground floor has a central doorway with a pedimented moulded architrave, and consoles to the pediment; two 12-pane sashes to the right, and remains of similar windows to the left (blocked internally by staircase); 1st-floor has tall 12-pane sashes to the left, but altered glazing to similar openings in the centre and to the right; very low 2nd floor has low 2-light casements over a continuous sill-band; deep moulded eaves cornice; hipped roof with 2 multiple-flue chimney stacks behind the ridge. The added wing to the right, 2 storeys and 2 bays, has a tripartite bow window at ground floor, with pilasters, a plain frieze, and 8-pane sashes; two sashed windows above; and a continuation of the band on the main facade. At the rear the wing is reduced in height but still of 2 storeys, with chamfered corners, a band, tall 8-pane sashes at ground floor (internally shuttered), and 12-pane sashes above. The added rear wing (containing a ballroom) is long, and has a canted north end with 3 tall round-headed sashed windows at ground floor (with glazing bars), 12-pane sashes above, and a plain parapet concealing the roof. Interior; altered in early to mid C19, the principal rooms to the left replaced by a fine open well flying staircase with ornamental iron balusters of intersecting curves; ground floor of right wing formerly one room, with pilasters and moulded cornice (now partitioned); ballroom with similar but more elaborate decoration (somewhat dilapidated at time of survey, 1987).

Listing NGR: SE4887521870