Tower Close

Tower Close is a former row of three cottages that has been converted into a house. It dates from the early 18th century and was altered and enlarged in 1916, as indicated by a datestone for S. Russell. The original part of the building features coursed, squared stone, while the later work on the right is squared stone brought to courses. The roof is made of stone slate.

The house is a three-window, two-and-a-half-storey block that is one room deep, with a three-storey tower and a low wing at right angles. There is also a part lean-to added to the rear, along with a two-window, one-and-a-half-storey wing on the right, which has further single-storey service wings beyond.

The front of the house faces the road and features a boarded door that is accessed by one semi-circular stone step, with a chamfered arris and a stone lintel. To the left of the door is a two-light mullioned window with leaded lights, and to the right is a three-light similar window. Above these, there are three two-light similar windows, all slightly offset to the left, with a lead rain-water pipe and ornamental head at the left end. Above, there are three hipped dormers, each with two-light wooden casements and stone-slated cheeks. The gables have parapets with ashlar ridge chimneys that have moulded caps.

On the right extension, which is flush with the front, there are three-light and two-light mullioned windows, along with a lead pipe that connects to an ornamental lead tank dated 1776. Above this extension are two dormers similar to those on the main house, and a large square chimney with a moulded cap rises from the ridge. The right gable features a parapet with a cross gablet apex. Set back on the right is a single-storey wing with a three-light mullioned window on the left and an ashlar chimney rising from the gable, with the roof hipped at the right end.

S. Russell was the father of Gordon Russell, the furniture designer. The building occupies a prominent position at the rear with its tower, and the low wings contribute significantly to the overall composition of the rear.