341 Durham Road

DESCRIPTION / STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This elegant double fronted red brick house was one of the later villas built in Low Fell, on land that had originally belonged to the adjacent Listed Musgrave School. It is set in a slightly elevated position unusually close to the road, veering away from the strong privacy element favoured with most of the earlier villas, perhaps to reduce spatial competition with Musgrave or perhaps to maximise the impact on passers-by. It certainly has this effect now, set as it is in glorious mature landscaping, flaunting many original and decorative features. It is a balanced composition, the warmth of the brick counterpointed by the solid stone detailing, and the hipped, slated roof (complete with implausibly delicate ball-topped needle finials) flanked by small gables to each side in a bookend effect. Battlemented full-height bays, fancifully detailed slim chimneys, a bracketed eaves cornice and stained glass in timber sashes all embellish the design. The doorway is particularly grand, with a carved lintel above. Cast iron rainwater goods have also been retained. Whilst it is unfortunate that the rooflights are not traditionally designed and stand well proud of the roof, they are at least limited in size and placed symmetrically so that the balance is not lost. A flat-roofed carport is an unfortunate addition to the setting, however its scale means it does not compete with the main building. The large site also included a block of stable buildings, which appear to be still present (?). MATERIALS Red brick, sandstone, timber, slate ARCHITECT J Landell Nicholson (12 Grey Street, Newcastle) DATES 1909 (plans) LOCAL LIST