Cheesemans Lodge

Cheesemans Lodge is a park keeper's lodge located in Apethorpe, dating from the mid-17th century and enlarged in 1864, as indicated by a datestone. The building is constructed of squared coursed limestone with ashlar dressings and features a stone slate roof. It originally had a 2- or 3-unit plan and stands two storeys tall. The main front has a three-window range, with 17th-century two-storey, five-light, ovolo moulded stone mullion windows located in the centre and to the right. Each of these windows is topped with gablets that have ashlar parapets and kneelers. Between the windows is a plank door that features a 17th-century moulded stone surround with a four-centred arch-head. To the left, there is a bay added around 1864, which has four-light stone mullion windows similar to the earlier range, also with a gablet above. The building has ashlar gable parapets and ashlar ridge and end stacks. The right gable includes a 17th-century four-light stone mullion window, likely repositioned in place of a bay window. An extension to the rear dates from around 1864.

Inside, there is a 19th-century staircase that features reset 17th-century turned balusters and square newels. The room to the right of the entrance contains a 17th-century fireplace with a four-centred arch-head and moulded spire beams with urn stops. The room to the left has an early 19th-century fireplace fitted into the original open fireplace, along with a chamfered spine beam. Apethorpe Park, where the lodge is situated, was created in 1543 and enlarged in 1620, having been used by James I. By the time of the 19th century, it had become grazing and arable land.