Beeston Lodge/ Gardenhurst Tiverton near Tarporley.

Beeston Lodge was built on the site of an earlier and smaller house of the same name on the same site about 1884.  By 1887 it had been re-named “Gardenhurst.” However, its name during construction, - Beeston Lodge – continued to be used by the architectural press.

BEESTON LODGE - This house, of which we published a view and plan some time ago, is shown in perspective in one of the best water-colour drawings in the room; a trifle heavy, perhaps, but very thoroughly worked out. The house is red brick with stone dressings, and stone mullioned windows below, with black-and- white work above; this upper portion oversailing slightly. The roofs are red tiled. The whole is exceedingly effective and rich, and the most of this has been made in the drawing. The design has, however, the defect of a certain want of refinement in detail, and a somewhat too obvious effort at effectiveness; the authors do not seem to have quite the pure gospel, so to speak. Still, it is a country house out of the common way, and evidently carried out with great care, and the plans, of which ground and first-floor are appended, are very good. Though on somewhat irregular lines, they are nevertheless convenient, and the rooms well-arranged in regard to each other, and the rooms and corridors are full of little unexpected points, embayments, flirtation corners, etc., which add so much to the interest of an interior, we do not mean specially in the view of flirtation, but for general interest and variety. A whist gallery is placed at one end of the billiard-room, raised a few steps; this may have been the wish of the owners; we should not think it the most favourable position for playing anything worth calling whist, with the click of the billiard-balls and the calling of the score going on below, not to speak of the temptation to look away from the little green cloth to see what is the progress on the large one. The morning room would be rather deficient in light, unless it gets a full level eastern sun, which there is nothing to show (N.B. Points of the compass should he shown on plans, especially those of dwelling-houses). But, on the whole, this is a noteworthy house. [Builder 12 June 1886 page 846- Architecture at the Royal Academy]

GRAND CONCERT AT GARDENHURST, TARPORLEY - No concert could be given with more charming surroundings than the entertainment organised by Mrs. Gordon Houghton, at her own house, in aid of Utkinton new school. Not a few, we fancy, of the large audience came to see the most beautiful of many beautiful Cheshire houses, for the beauties of Gardenhurst are spoken of far and near. The stage was erected in the central hall, and the effect on entering was entrancing. The lovely staircase, the hall itself, and the peeps through open doors of the drawing-rooms and other rooms were like revelations of nineteenth century fairy land [Cheshire Observer 4 February 1893 page 5]

Gardenhurst, the seat of James Gordon Houghton esq. is a fine building standing in pleasure grounds of 4 acres, beautifully laid out.  [Kelly's Directory of Cheshire (1896)[]

TARPORLEY CHESHIRE – Within a few minutes’ walk of Beeston and Tarporley Station about 1.5 miles from Tarporley village and 12.5 miles from Whitchurch in a good position for hunting. A most attractive Residence known as GARDENHURST"standing in its own Grounds, and commanding magnificent views over the surrounding country Approached by Carriage Drive with Lodge at entrance, and comprises Porch Vestibule Outer Hall Inner Entrance Hall, the Panelling and Staircase being a feature Panelled Dining Room with Flower Room off, Drawing Room Library with Gallery, Music Room, excellent Domestic Offices 6 Principal, 11 Secondary Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms etc. The Entertaining Rooms have polished floors and are oak panelled. Excellent Stabling, two Garages, numerous outbuildings.  THE GROUNDS are inexpensive to maintain and comprise walled-in Kitchen Gaden Tennis Court Flower Gardens Lawns etc TWO COTTAGES Main Drain Water Area about 22 Acres The above will offered for Sale by Auction by BOULT SON and MAPLES on THURSDAY 19 July Next at 3 o’clock at the BLOSSOMS HOTEL CHESTER (unless sold privately)   [Chester Chronicle 23 June 1928 page 6[