The Ley

The Ley is a large timber-frame house, dating to 1589, originally built for James Bridges, and subsequently restored in the late 19th and 20th centuries. It is now divided into two separate houses. The house is constructed with rendered infill panels between timber framing, set on a doursed rubble plinth, and has a graduated stone tile roof. The building has an H-shaped plan, with the main range running east to west. There are two lateral stacks; one to the rear (south) wall of the main range, and another to the east wall of the eastern cross-wing, both constructed of rubble with 19th-century brick shafts.

The north front features projecting gabled cross-wings, each with two-storey square bay windows. The central range also has a similar bay window. A two-storey gabled porch is located in the angle with the right-hand cross-wing. The left-hand cross-wing has a 5-light mullion and transom window on each storey, with a gable above featuring a projecting tie-beam and enriched bargeboards. The central bay window has a 5-light mullion and transom window to each floor, with gable enriched bargeboards and decorated plaster panels. A gabled dormer rises from the main roof behind the central bay window, with bargeboards and scroll brackets. The porch has moulded framing and scroll brackets supporting the jettied first floor, which has a 3-light mullion and transom window. This gable has moulded bargeboards and a pendant. The doorway has a flat triangular head with two carved panels above a shield of arms; one panel bears the initials "I B", and the other displays the words “In Dei nomine” with the date 1589. The inner doorway has a moulded frame and a panelled door with a 3-pane overlight. The right-hand cross-wing has a 5-light mullion and transom window on each floor, with moulded bargeboards to the gable. Timber framing comprises mainly six square panels high, surmounted by a narrow band of close-studding. The left-hand cross-wing has straight angle braces to the ground floor and straight tension braces on the first floor. The cross-wing gables each feature two collars with two square panels between them, incorporating quadrant braces.

While the interior has not been inspected, it is reported to contain exposed moulded ceiling beams and some remnants of panelling. The house is of group value due to its significant architectural and historical importance.