Beech House

Beech House is a detached house dating from the early 18th century, which was significantly altered around 1770 by Anthony Keck. It is constructed of Flemish bond red brick, with the front elevation rendered in roughcast and ashlar dressings. Brick chimneys and plain tile roofs complete the external appearance. The house is two storeys with an attic and cellars, and incorporates two 2-storey rear wings. A small former cottage is attached to the south end, and outbuildings are situated at the north end, both concealed by high walls extending from the front facade.

The front of the house has a symmetrical 5-window arrangement of 12-pane sash windows, each with a segmental arch above. The central doorway is sheltered by a large, moulded flat porch hood supported on brackets, and features double 3-panel doors with a large fanlight. A plain band runs along the upper floor level, topped by a moulded stone parapet cornice. The roof includes two flat-roofed attic dormers with small-paned casements. Chimneys are located at each gable end.

The rear of the house features two gabled wings; the right wing appears to be built with earlier brickwork, possibly part of the original house. The right wing has a single window, incorporating a 2-light chamfered stone-mullioned cellar opening, and C20 casements above with segmental-arched heads. The left gable has C19 fenestration. An infill section between the wings contains a panelled door with an overhead rectangular light and an upper floor casement. Chimneys rise from both wings. Alternating stone quoins are visible. A lean-to former bakery is situated at the north end.

The interior is largely attributed to Anthony Keck. One ground floor room is fully panelled with fluted Doric pilasters to the fireplace, and features dentil enrichment to the fireplace and ceiling cornice. Another room displays an Adam-style plaster frieze. The staircase is characterized by turned pilasters and swept handrails. Beech House was the residence of Anthony Keck until his death in 1797. The boundary wall to the east has terminal piers.