St Margaretsbury Community Home

St Margaretsbury Community Home is a former large house, likely built in the early 19th century, which was extended and rebuilt in 1890 by Ernest Newton for builder Septimus Croft, as noted inside the porch. This two-storey, double-pile house is constructed of grey brick and features complex roofs, either slated or tiled with mansards on the north side. The building has sash windows with flat gauged arches and 6/6 panes, along with a plinth, floorband, and parapeted eaves.

On the northeast side, a brick pedimented wing projects, featuring a stucco Ionic porch with columns and a full entablature. The east front includes a shallow two-storey bow and a projecting chimney. The south (garden) front has two similar bows and a wider bow on the ground floor, framed by a Portland Stone Ionic order that accommodates three French windows. Above these, curved sash windows are adorned with stone double keystones.

The interior boasts a well-finished library and drawing room, which includes a fireplace with Dutch tiles in an Arts and Crafts style. The original house may have been constructed around 1760 by Rev Stephen Platt as the rectory mansion and was sold to Croft in 1889. It was acquired by the County Council around 1943. This is an interesting house of high quality, featuring impressive interiors designed by Ernest Newton, and it includes a contemporary stable block linked to the west.