This site has long been the location of a public house, but when it was established it was part of a tiny settlement to the south of Birtley called Brown’s Buildings. The old pub had been called the Fox & Hounds, but changed its name to the Barley Mow during the 19th century. The dense settlement around the pub now did not appear until around the time the pub was rebuilt, and so in all probability the settlement took its name from the institution – making it of historical as well as architectural importance to the area. This new development must have stimulated the rebuilding, in order to give more space and better accommodation for the potential new clientele. It is a distinguished and stately building in red-brown brick, with a special and distinctive hipped roof of green clay roman tiles to complement, graced with a single, simple tall chimney. The (originally) metal fenestration has that horizontal emphasis, which characterises architecture of the period, with what had been traditionally, called ‘lying panes’ (i.e. panes laid horizontally rather than vertically), making for a streamlined appearance. Unfortunately, however, the original ground floor windows have been replaced with plastic ones. The grand single entranceway is robust with its double timber doors, and (what appears to be) artstone moulded surround. The most outstanding element of the design, however, is the corner turret, with curved bay windows stretching around at least a full semi-circle. It is a wonderful way to finish a corner, and makes a significant contribution to the impact of the establishment in the streetscene as a navigable landmark, as well as helping to create an attractive building. In 1925 Mark West was the landlord, however, this would have been before the pub was rebuilt.
MATERIALS Red-brown brick, green clay roman tiles, artstone, metal
DATES 1940s/50s

These well-kept orange brick public house premises straddle the High Street and Holly Hill on a high, and therefore visually prominent corner. The warm and dynamic impression they convey arises from the variety of materials used (including stone dressings, cream render, and especially the rich, deep terracotta roof tiles), as well as the use of multiple bargeboarded gables. They embrace the topographically challenging site closely, presenting a strong edge to the street as they front directly onto the pavement, with a thoughtful, faceted elevation as they progress round the corner. The architectural emphasis is skyward – not only due to the gabling but also to the tall, slim brick chimneys and curious black wooden cupola with a needle-like finial. Even the original cast iron rainwater goods with their decorative hoppers, and the 6 panel doors and toplights beneath elaborate canopies, have not been lost. Only the satellite dish and the strung fabric signage detract from the whole.
MATERIALS Red brick, sandstone, clay tile
DATES 1903-5

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
A good and unaltered example of a 1930s semi with special features of interest such as stained glass and curved entrance bay. Has been looked after exceptionally well.

Retains many original features including doors, decorative stonework and impressive cornicing. Frontage unaltered. Has well and pump at the rear which once served the village. Rear garage was formerly a saw mill.
DATES 1876

Block 1.60a to d and K82. This is a standard block of four "nursery" factories on Third Avenue occupied by Loblite, an electrical accessories company established at the Team Valley Trading Estate in 1939 by the German-Jewish refugee brothers Fritz S and Robert Loebl. One of the few surviving first-generation factories on the estate, still with its original occupiers. The factories on the Team Valley were designed to be ‘straight-line’ in character, and were constructed of standard cement-brick on light steel frames, with flat, clerestorey roofs, and additional light provided by plentiful side windows. These buildings are some of the earliest nursery factory units designed as part of two pairs for the TVTE, and the ones that seem best preserved in terms of design and appearance. They are of simple, streamlined industrial design, built in functional brick with large metal windows. The only distinguishing architectural features are the canopied entrances with angular piers, one of which retains green glazed tiling, and a concrete string course to the top of the windows. The cast iron rainwater goods are still present in all their utilitarian glory. Although architecturally modest these buildings represent an important phase in the industrial and social history of the region as well as in functional architecture. They had previously been in separate ownership, with a bakery to the northern building and the electrical works to the southern (5th edition OS), however the electrical works expanded from the southern pair of buildings into the northern pair, with the eastern two being the works and the western ones being warehousing. (6th edition OS). This company, Loblite, utilized the premises until very recently, when they contracted into adjacent premises, so that the buildings now stand empty.
MATERIALS Brick, concrete(?), metal
DATES 1937-9

One of a number of late C19 and early C20 houses in the Chowdene Conservation Area. This one is secluded in its heavily wooded garden. This beautifully made villa style residence is likely to date from the later 19th century, although unfortunately no plans have been traced for it. The site had originally been a farm, and appears to have been used as such until 1858, so the villa may date from around the 1860s/70s. This date would also accord with other development in the area. It displays fine workmanship, and architectural detailing in common with other buildings in the area, for example those dwellings at Derwent Crook – in particular the snecked stonework and use of gabling to create depth and interest. The detailing is chunky and robust – no spindly finials or skinny chimneys here! Instead large, deeply moulded gable finials, elegant hood mouldings, strong water tabling with substantial (though plain) kneelers, and bold square chimneys reminiscent of battlemented turrets. It appears that inspiration may have been taken from the castle architecture at Ravensworth, as the site had been part of the Ravensworth Estate, as even the grand ashlar doorway, nestled in a crook of the building, features mock battlements with a large shield inset, and is further embellished by rope mouldings above the windows and door. The windows are timber sashes (although perhaps not original) and a 9-panel timber door has been retained to the entrance, which is likely to be original (although now not a traditional colour). Other detailing includes an exuberant ornamental lamp bracket attached to the house, and plates remaining adjacent to the door, which are likely to have been part of the original doorbell system. The enclosure of the site is important; with sandstone walls and gate piers punctured by swirling gates unusually dated 1953. The building also enjoys a pleasant landscaped setting, with broad stone steps leading down to a lawned area surrounded by many mature trees. Outbuildings include stables and (ironically) a lodge building, but these are unfortunately in a very poor state of repair. If their condition is not addressed as a matter of urgency they are at great risk of being lost. The principal building is also underused – this situation also needs addressing to avoid the risk of serious deterioration of the fabric in the future. In 1858 Messers Blenkinsop were leasing the site from Ravensworth Estate (Chowdean Foot farm) - half a year’s rent was £92. Later the property was called Chowdene Cottage.
MATERIALS Sandstone, slate, timber DATES c1860s/70s USES Historically residential, now leased for social charitable purposes. Recorded by ARS in 2009. ARS concluded that despite the unsympathetic modern renovations a number of original features remained such as skirting boards, dado rails and coving.

Stone wall with granite plaque and marble plaque. The marble plaque reads: "THIS GARDEN IS PRESENTED BY MEMBERS OF THE FELLING CENTRE OF THE WOMENS VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF FELLING IN HONOURED MEMORY OF THOSE FROM THIS AREA WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939-1945". The granite plaque reads: "THIS GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE DEDICATED TO ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY AND FREEDOM WAS SUBSCRIBED BY THE FELLING WELCOME HOME AND MEMORIAL FUND ON JUNE 2ND 1953". The wall is now replaced by railings.

These extremely unusual and attractive houses were built just into the Edwardian era, in an experimental material of cement aggregate made to appear like stone, with brick backs. The terrace arcs gently, following the contours of the road, and features distinctive corner turrets crowned by octagonal spire-like roofs with elaborate terracotta pinnacles. Another noteworthy feature are the roofs: quality green Westmorland slate, with decorative fishscale banding, and central gables with floral finials and terracotta ridge tiles. The detail does not stop here, however. The door surrounds incorporate fluted pilasters and mouldings, and lintels and cills to the rear are also decorated. Some properties retain original 5-panel timber doors, with stained glass and fan/sidelights, although some have been replaced. They are a pleasing survival in the area, and stand out against the backdrop of more conventional housing.
MATERIALS Cement aggregate, brick back, Westmorland slate
BUILDER Salis brothers(?)
DATES 1903