Stable Block to Plough and Harrow Hotel

A stable block of 1832-3, designed by John Fallows for the Calthorpe Estate, with C19 and C20 additions and alteration.

MATERIALS & PLAN: red brick laid in random bond, with sandstone dressings. Two storeys with central bellcote.

EXTERIOR: the west front onto Harrow Lane has an ‘E’ plan, with central, projecting gable, flanked by wings which end in further projecting gables. The wide central bay has a Tudor arch with stone surround, which is now blocked, but was formerly a throughway to the stable yard. Above this is a three-light mullioned window with hood mould, and in the gable is a lancet. The gable has a sceptre finial and cusped bargeboards which continue around the building as a fascia board to the eaves. At either side of the gable are chimneys which terminate in two rebuilt octagonal stacks. The ridge is raised above the central bay and carries an octagonal bellcote which has a boarded base and wooden superstructure supporting a domed lead roof with a central, iron weather vane. To either side of the centre are three bays, that at right has cambered heads to the ground floor cross windows with two-light windows to the first floor. At left the ground floor has three narrower windows with painted stone surrounds and Tudor heads and lancets to the first floor. The projecting gabled wings at either end each have three light windows to the ground floor and two lights to the first floor, in painted Tudor surrounds, as before.

The rear has wooden double doors to the central through arch and a similar blocked arch to its left, presumably marking a former coach house. To right of centre, a long garage door has been inserted. Other openings appear largely to be later insertions.

INTERIOR: both floors have been adapted to new uses. A staircase and a panelled door at first floor level appear to be original.

Pursuant to s1 (5) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (‘the Act’) it is declared that the lean-to outhouse attached to the northern gable end of the stable block is not of special architectural or historic interest.