Leche House

Leche House is a three-storey residential building on Watergate Street with timber framing, plaster infill, and a grey slate roof. The ground floor features a modern shop front, while the upper levels display characteristic period windows and retain their original wooden structure.

The building contains a late 14th-century undercroft that was expanded in the 15th century before Alderman John Leche built the main structure above it. The house reflects how properties were enlarged and adapted as the family's status and needs changed over time.

The gallery space displays decorative plaster work and an early fireplace that reflect how wealthy families lived in this era. These details show the daily surroundings and craftsmanship that residents valued.

The house sits within Chester's historic Row level, an elevated passage that connects to other medieval buildings in the area. Visitors can view the exterior and Row level from the street, getting a sense of how the building functions as part of this larger network.

The structure combines stone walls in the lower level with timber framing above, showcasing how medieval builders adapted to different building needs. This layering of materials tells the story of how the house grew and changed rather than being rebuilt from scratch.