The Grange House

ST IPPOLLITTS LONDON ROAD TL 1827 (East side) New England

8/39 The Grange House - GV II

Farmhouse, now a private house. Circa 1700 with possibly C17 part incorporated at N. Altered c.1815 and c.1921. Renovated c.1980. Red and blue brick, stucco decoration, slate roofs. A large 2-storeys, attics and cellar house, set back from road, facing W. Plan of main part has stair- and entrance-hall between 2 rooms. N end set back a little. C19 rear additions. W front of main part symmetrical, with plinth, plat band, projecting mutular cornice, gable parapets on corbelled kneelers, 3 box dormers, 2 very wide sash windows to each floor, sash window with 3/3 panes central over entrance. Doric porch with full entablature and half-columns. Half-glazed panelled door. N wing has a sash window with 4/8 panes with flat gauged arch on each floor. Each window of main front comprises 3 conjoined sash windows of same size with 3/3 panes and stucco surround. Round arched heads to central sash of each. Interior has wide open-fireplace to internal N gable chimney. Rear-wall projecting chimney to S room which has tunnel vaulted brick cellar below projecting to S under garden. Cut string early C19 stair with stick balusters. Rises to attic. Ground floor stage has been turned round. S parlour has dentilled cornice carried round axial beam, C18 fire surround and high dado. Internal shutters to front windows slide into jambs like doors. 2-panel door with HL hinges. House just outside municipal boundary of Hitchin. Named as The Old Bell House on map of 1750 in Hitchin Museum. Later called The Elms Farm. Later used as a dower house to New England House (q.v.). (RCHM Typescript: inf the owner).

Listing NGR: TL1896627939