The house was built in about 1885 for B. Chaffers Roberts, and designed by Edward Ould.[1] The stables are dated 1886, and were probably also designed by Ould.[2] The house was extended in 1892 for the same client by Harry Beswick, and some alterations have been made during the 20th century.[1] In 1930 George Mottershead bought the house and estate for £3,500 (equivalent to £280,000 in 2023),[3] and started the development of Chester Zoo.[4] While the house was used for administration, the west wing of the stables was used to house lions.[2] As the zoo has grown, the house has been retained and converted for use as a business, educational and wedding venue,[5] and the west wing of the stables for storage.[2]
Architecture
House
Oakfield Manor is constructed in red Ruabon brick with blue-brick diapering, and red sandstone dressings. It is roofed with Welsh slate. There are four brick chimney stacks with Tudor-style decoration. The house is in two and 2½ storeys, with a west front of four bays, and a south front with three projecting bays with differing details. The architectural features include two-storey cantedbay windows with a castellatedparapet and dormers, differently shaped gables, and a projecting porch with a finial in the form of a griffin. Most of the windows have mullions and transoms. Inside the house is much wood panelling and some stained glass in the windows.[1]
Stables
These are constructed in orange brick with dressings in red brick and buff sandstone. It is roofed with red tiles. The building is in one and two storeys, with a frontage of five bays. In the centre is an archway, with a datestone flanked by plaques with horses' heads. To the right of the archway is a circular stair turret surmounted by a hexagonal spire. On the base of the turret are marks of lions' claws.[2]
