The following text is from the original listed building designation:
1. 5280 SHOREHAM SHOREHAM Shacklands Road (South Side)
Darenth House. Darenth Hulme. TQ 5162 29/1214
II GV
2. Formerly one residence although built at different dates, 1869 mainly. Darenth House is left part (of 2 bays) and Darenth Hulme right part of irregular 5-bay house. 2 storeys. 2nd bay from left is projecting, 3 storey tower with pyramidal roof and dormers. High pitched tiled roofs. At right of tower 2 half dormers, with bargeboarded gables, breaking eaves. Wall material brown knapped flint with stone quoins and window dressings and diagonal brick strings. Plinth of black knapped flints. Relieving arches, to door and some windows, filled with ornament of black and white flint pebbles. Yellow brick lacing bands. Stone door surrounds at back and front have incised carvings of fossils; and rear elevation shows 2 squarebays with paleontological pseudo-capitals at angles. Ornamental rainwater pipes with gargoyles on hopper heads. The house was built by Sir Joseph Prestwich the geologist, hence the use of fossils as an ornamental theme. Inside all fireplaces are of different polished stones; and a painted ceiling depicts the flora and fauna of different geological eras; but has been covered with whitewash. Right extension of circa 1898 in similar style. 2 storeys, 1 bay; with pyramidal roof and one projecting one-storey section. Inside Darenth Hulme, a drawingroom with small side chamber decorated entirely with tiles from William de Morgan's workshop, in several patterns. 2 similar panels of tiles at entrance to room.
Darenth House and Darenth Hulme form a group with the Coach House and stable block.
Listing NGR: TQ5160662339

English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.