Ashton House

Ashton House is a Grade II* listed house located in Beetham, dating back to 1678 with later modifications. The initials "TIS" and the date are inscribed on a moulded lintel above a later doorway on the right return front. Additionally, there is a panel above with the initials "JJ" and the date 1744, referring to John Johnson, who died in 1787. The house is primarily from the mid-18th century but features 19th-century alterations and additions, including flanking pavilions.

The exterior is finished in scored stucco with a graduated greenslate roof. The structure consists of a three-storey central block and two-storey pavilions, arranged in a seven-bay configuration of 1:5:1. It has a chamfered plinth and quoins. The central block showcases an eight-panelled vertically-split door within a surround featuring egg-and-dart moulding, flanked by Corinthian pilasters adorned with lion heads on the capitals. This supports an open pediment that displays the Johnson coat-of-arms, which includes three spear-heads on a chief ermine, along with a winged cherub's head. The windows are sashes with glazing bars set in moulded architraves. The central window on the first floor is flanked by Ionic pilasters and features a simple carved head above, while the window above it, flanked by Composite pilasters, has a larger laurelled head against a raised scroll pattern. The eaves are modillioned, with a parapet and corniced stone chimney stacks.

The pavilions each have tripartite sashes with glazing bars on every floor and eaves bands. Inside, there is a mid-18th-century staircase with moulded tread ends, a ramped and moulded handrail, and turned balusters. The ground and first floors feature early 18th-century pine panelling, plasterwork, and shutters, while the dining room and bedroom have mid-18th-century panelling and cornices. The ground floor includes Victorian details. Notably, the road at the front was diverted around 1850 to create space for a carriage drive.