Lea Hall, Gatepier And Boundary Wall To The North

The house, gatepier, and boundary wall represent a significant example of 18th-century domestic architecture, with alterations spanning the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. A lintel inscribed "PN 1754" suggests a construction date of 1754, though later modifications are evident. The front elevation is constructed of ashlar gritstone, featuring a stepped plinth, chamfered quoins, a modillioned cornice, and a parapet. Brick wings are set back from this main frontage, while the rear features coursed rubble gritstone, moulded kneelers, and gable copings. The roof is covered with stone slates, and ashlar stacks are positioned at the ridge and gable ends.

The north elevation, a seven-bay design with recessed end bays, showcases double-hung sash windows with glazing bars within moulded surrounds, and projecting keyblocks. The central five bays are articulated by fluted giant pilasters supporting a full entablature, and a modillioned cornice extending across these bays. A shallow flight of five stone steps leads to a central doorway with a Gibbs surround and a Gothic-glazed door. Semi-circular headed windows with keyblocks to the arches flank the central bay on the ground floor, while flat-headed windows are present above. The rear elevation exhibits a vernacular style with 2 and 3-light flush mullioned windows, also with glazing bar sashes, some of which have been replaced with 20th-century frames.

The interior features a fine 18th-century staircase with turned and twisted balusters, along with panelled doors and shutters. A rear pile includes a full-height splat-baluster stair. A dentilled plaster cornice is found in a ground-floor room of the western brick wing.

A boundary wall, approximately 70 metres long and 2 metres high, runs along the north front, constructed of coursed squared gritstone. A drinking trough is incorporated at the east end, and the wall terminates at a square gate pier topped with a shallow pyramidal cap at the west end. The inscription "PN 1754" is thought to refer to Peter Nightingale, a contemporary of Arkwright and owner of lead smelting works at nearby Lea Bridge.