171-173, Cromford Hill

Nos 171-173 on Cromford Hill are two houses that were originally a farmhouse, dating from the late 17th century or early 18th century, with later alterations and extensions. The building is constructed from roughly coursed rubble and has tiled roofs, standing two storeys high. The layout consists of a long range with a lower front wing to the right. The main part was originally a three-unit, baffle-entry farmhouse, of which the parlour still exists on the right side. A vertical masonry joint to the left of the entry suggests rebuilding occurred in the late 18th century or early 19th century, as indicated by the window openings. The low front wing, which is rendered, likely dates from a similar period.

The building features three ridge stacks on the long range and an end stack on the wing, all made of red brick. The front has an irregular arrangement of windows, with a three-window range; these, along with the three ground-floor windows, have stone surrounds, although the mullions have been removed and replaced with casements. There is a wide doorway with a planked door. The low wing has a two-light mullioned window on the first floor and a larger sash window below, along with another wide doorway with a planked door. The rear includes three small one and two-light casement windows, as well as a large late 20th-century glazed door and window leading to the kitchen. Some ceiling beams are still present, although the interior has not been thoroughly inspected.

This building is prominently located at the top of Cromford Hill and forms part of a group with Nos 142-150 opposite. It is one of the few houses that remain from the pre-Arkwright hamlet of Cromford.