57-63, SWITHLAND LANE

This is a group of four cottages located at 57-63 Swithland Lane, originally built around 1800 as a barn and farm buildings and converted in the early 20th century, possibly by architect G.E. Clare. The cottages are constructed of red brick, with some sections of granite rubble stone and rendered brick, topped with a Swithland slate roof featuring brick ridge end and side stacks, which are mostly ornamental with a dentilled band. The conversion is designed in the English vernacular style, forming an L shape with the main range extending to the rear and a gable facing forward, while a wing projects to the left.

The main range, which faces right, has two storeys and features eight 1-3-light casement windows with glazing bars. On the ground floor, starting from the left, there is a wooden porch with a hipped roof, two side benches, and a part-glazed door for No. 61. Next are a 2-light and a 3-light casement window, followed by a long porch with a rectangular bay projection that includes a 1-light window, two 3-light windows, and a 1-light window, along with similar doors and benches at either end for Nos. 57 and 59. Finally, there is a 3-light mullion and transom window. The building features cambered lintels throughout.

On the right end, there is a 1½ storey lean-to. The facing gable includes a 4-light canted bay with a 4-light casement window above. The left wing is a single storey with a gable projecting on the left, featuring a 5-light casement window with top lights under a rounded arch, a 2-light window on the right inner return, and a 6-light square bay between the two gables. There is a door to the rear.

On the rear of the main range, a large blocked arch with a cambered lintel can be seen, likely a doorway to the original barn. These buildings were once part of No. 65 (The Homestead) when they were part of Rothley Plain Farm, which was situated on the Rothley Temple estate. At the beginning of the 20th century, this estate was developed into Rothley Garden Suburb, with G.E. Clare as the resident architect who likely designed the conversion. Together with the outbuilding and No. 65, these cottages form an interesting architectural and historical group.