Grafton Villas

Grafton Villas is a pair of semi-detached cottages built in 1838. They are constructed from limestone ashlar and feature a hipped slate roof with a central stone internal stack. The cottages have a double-depth plan and are two stories high with a three-window range. The central block has 16-pane sash windows on both the ground and first floors, each with moulded stone surrounds. Lower two-storey wings flank the central block, housing a staircase hall and featuring panelled doors in stone porches supported by Tuscan pillars and pilasters. These porches have a plain frieze, moulded cornice, and blocking cornice, along with a blank rectangular panel above each porch. The exterior includes a plinth, storey band, moulded stone cornice, and blocking cornice.

Inside, the cottages boast stone cantilever staircases with a cast-iron balustrade and columns that support the landing, along with a ramped and wreathed mahogany handrail. The floors are stone-flagged, and some original stone chimneypieces remain. Notably, No. 27 retains its original back staircase leading from the kitchen.

These cottages are part of a larger building program initiated by the Grafton estate, overseen by the agent John Gardner. In a letter dated October 19, 1838, Gardner described the cottages as having a "Lodge-like effect" and intended to enhance the appearance of the nearby railway bridge, referred to as "the Archway." The cottages are constructed from local stone sourced from the Grafton estate quarry at Blisworth.