Rivers Lodge (Rothamsted Experimental Station) (Including Front Railings)

Rivers Lodge, part of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, is a house that has been converted into offices. It dates from around 1800 and is constructed of red brick with a slate hipped roof. There are later extensions made of mauve and red brick from the late 19th century and mid-20th century, which are not of special interest.

The main two-storey section features three sash windows with gauged brick heads. A prominent central doorcase includes a reeded six-panel door with panelled reveals, reeded pilasters, a moulded entablature, and an open pediment topped with an enriched cornice. The door is adorned with a semicircular Adam-style leaded fan. On the ground floor, there are triple-hung sash windows on either side, while the first floor has a central round-headed window with Gothic-style top glazing bars. The eaves are flat and supported by paired brackets.

Access to the door is via six stone steps, which are flanked by simple railings. The wall and railings extend on either side of the building, widening to create a broad frontage. The railings feature spikes with three-point heads and are punctuated by stone piers at intervals, each topped with vase finials. There is a single central gate.