Old School (Behind Nos. 2-6 Bourne Road)

The Old School, located behind Nos. 2-6 Bourne Road, is a former outbuilding of the old Swinstead Hall, converted into a school and now being transformed into a house. It dates from around 1720, likely designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, with renovations made around 1800 and in 1985. The building is constructed from coursed limestone rubble with ashlar dressings and quoins, topped with a yellow pantile roof featuring a single gable and large ridge stone stacks.

The front of the building is a single storey with five bays, originally three bays, and has a chamfered plinth. The three original openings have semi-circular heads with keyed ashlar surrounds, while later openings on either side of the central one feature flat ashlar lintels. Inside, there is a large ashlar fireplace with a central wide arch flanked by smaller narrower arched openings, one of which contains a bread oven. The arches are segmental with raised keystones and imposts. On the other side of the central stack, there is another large fireplace with a flat ashlar lintel and keyblock, along with ashlar piers and imposts. According to White's 1856 directory, the school was previously the kitchen of a large hall that was demolished by the last Duke of Ancaster, who died in 1809.