Darenth House Darenth Hulme

Darenth House and Darenth Hulme are a combined dwelling, originally constructed between 1869 and circa 1898. They represent the left and right portions of an irregular five-bay house. Darenth House itself comprises the initial two bays, while Darenth Hulme forms the right-hand extension. A prominent three-story tower with a pyramidal roof and dormers projects from the second bay from the left. The roof has a high pitch, covered in tiles, with two half-dormers featuring bargeboarded gables that break the eaves. The walls are constructed of brown knapped flint, with stone quoins, window dressings, and diagonal brick string courses. A plinth of black knapped flints is present. Relieving arches, incorporating ornament made from black and white flint pebbles, are found above the front and back door, and above certain windows. Yellow brick lacing bands are also visible. Stone door surrounds at the front and back feature incised carvings of fossils. The rear elevation displays two square bays with paleontological pseudo-capitals at the corners. Ornamental rainwater pipes are fitted, including gargoyles on the hopper heads. The house was commissioned by Sir Joseph Prestwich, a geologist, and the fossil motif is used as an ornamental theme. Internally, the fireplaces are constructed from different polished stones. A painted ceiling depicting the flora and fauna of various geological eras once existed but is now covered in whitewash. Within Darenth Hulme, a drawing room and a small adjoining chamber are entirely decorated with tiles from William de Morgan’s workshop, displaying various patterns, with two similar tile panels at the entrance to the room. Darenth House and Darenth Hulme are understood as a group with the nearby Coach House and stable block.