Stable Block at The Argoed

This is a rectangular plan, sandstone conglomerate rubble building with a roof which is stone slates to the lower courses and Roman tiles above. It has overhanging eaves and was originally of steeper pitch (see ghosting of this on the downhill gable) hence the present C19 roof structure. C19 gabled bellcote to downhill gable end; chamfered 2-light loft window and later entrance below. The uphill gable end has a round-arched, chamfered, loft opening with stone sill that is late medieval in character; offset below is a broad 4-centred arch, sunk-chamfer moulded, entrance with boarded doors. A dwarf wall is attached to this corner and projects to a pier with a ball finial, beside this is a 3-step mounting block of the local conglomerate. The main elevation, facing the forecourt, has four windows; the two to the centre are 3-light with ovolo-moulded mullions, both have armorial shields carved to the jambs and the left hand one has coat of arms above the chamfered stone lintel; timber lintel to right hand window. On the far left is a single-light window with similarly moulded jambs and the larger opening to far right has boarded doors composed of reused splat balusters. Some or all of these front openings may have been reused from the earliest parts of the house. Reroofed lean-to at rear. The adjoining coach-house has been modernised in late C20 conversion to house and has lost character.

The interior was not available for inspection at resurvey. The description has been taken from the listing in 1993. Stabling for seven horses is arranged along the north-west wall and there is a stone-flagged floor with drain. Set into sandstone bases are substantial turned timber stanchions with ringed/grooved ornamentation; the design of these is identical to those in the house on the staircase and first floor landing and given the quantity of other reused items in this building these stanchions may also have come from the house, perhaps at the time the stairs were renewed. Each stall is linked by a timber arcade with pendants and moulded cornice (partly missing); the swept-up stall dividers have iron top-rails. The rear wall had a central entrance from the coach-house (now converted); whitewashed stone dividing walls flank the access to this entrance. The loft floor has chamfered beams. C19 type king-post roof trusses.