The Homestead

The Homestead is an 18th-century house with modifications dating around 1920, possibly by G.E. Clare. It is constructed of red brick with a Swithland slate roof, brick end and rear stacks, and a brick dentilled eaves cornice. The house comprises two ranges, with the main range on the left. The front of the main range features three storeys of leaded light casements, including 3-light, 2-light, and 3-light windows with cambered lintels. The second floor has three 2-light windows, with the central one taller and projecting above eaves level. A single-storey, flat-roofed projection dating from around 1920 extends from the front, featuring a patterned lead band along the roof edge. A five-light bow fronts the left side, incorporating a recessed porch with an overlight and a four-light window to the right. The range to the right was likely raised by half a storey around 1920 and has two storeys of 2 three-light leaded casements with top lights. The ground floor of the right range features a door, likely of 18th-century origin, with a rounded arch overlight, alongside a three-light and a one-light window. Casements and a French window are located on the left end. The interior contains brick vaulted cellars, chamfered ceiling beams, a roughly 4½-meter-wide inglenook in what was formerly the kitchen – although the hood is missing – and a staircase that is partly of 18th-century origin. There is also oak panelling dating from around 1920 and a plasterwork frieze, approximately 2/3 meters high and also dating from around 1920, in the entrance hall, depicting figures in Roman dress and farm animals. The house was formerly known as Rothley Plain Farm and was part of the Rothley Temple estate, which was developed as Rothley Garden Suburb in the early 20th century. George E. Clare, M.S.A., was the resident architect and likely altered the house and adjacent outbuildings (now Nos. 57-63 Swithland Lane). These buildings together form an interesting architectural and historical grouping.