Houses for William and James Dronsfield. Roundthorn Road, Oldham

In their breadth of effect and refinement of detail these are very successful. The gate piers of one house seemed to be a natural outcome of the site in their sturdy massiveness, while internally in both houses there was much interesting design in marble mantlepieces and wood inlay to furniture and flooring. (A report of an MSA visit to the houses)

Reference    British Architect 14 July 1905. Page 21
Reference    Manchester City Art Gallery: Partnership in Style. Manchester: 1975 )

LISTING TEXT Manor house. Largely early C19, but incorporating remains of earlier building, and with extension of 1901 by J H Sellers for one of the Dronsfield family, textile machinery manufacturers. Coursed and squared stone throughout, with angle quoins and  Welsh slate roof.  Main range of c1830, 2 storeys, 5 window range with central entrance. Panelled door in moulded architrave with bolection moulding and pediment. 2 pane sash windows also in moulded architraves. Lower wing recessed to left, and further wing recessed beyond both probably largely earlier structures, perhaps late C17, though re fenestrated. 2 light mullioned and transomed window in front elevation, 5 light window in return elevation, the mullions re cut externally to a square profile. Wing beyond has sash window on each floor, and doorway in angle in moulded architrave. Wing to right added by JH Sellers, 1901. Pedimented gable over tripartite windows on each floor. Paired sashes in return elevation, in shallow projecting bay with segmentally arched parapet. Brick service wing to rear. INTERIOR dates from the re modelling of the house by Sellers. Oak panelled entrance hall with parquet flooring, oak staircase, and marble fireplace. Contemporary brass door furniture throughout. Dining room with oak dado panelling and marble fireplace. Kitchen with green glazed tiled walls, and some original fitted furniture. Papier mache panelled ceiling to parlour.