Colebrook Priory

Colebrook Priory is a house with fabric dating possibly from the 16th or 17th century, which was later re-fronted in what is probably the 19th century. The original construction appears to have been timber framed; subsequent work includes rendering, brick walling, and a tile roof.

The building's layout shows a hall aligned roughly north-south, with a cross wing at a right angle to the south. Later extensions have been added to the north and east.

The main front of the house comprises the re-fronted hall and cross wing, all rendered. The central double doors of the hall have margin glazing, flanked by windows on both ground and first floors. The cross wing features a central ground-floor door and a large window above. A smaller wing to the north has a window on each floor. All openings have moulded surrounds, and windows are timber casements. Chimneys are located at each end of the hall.

The southern elevation is brick and contains the main entrance under a projecting timber porch, with flanking windows and a small window above.

The rear elevation exposes the timber frame of the cross wing, showing large panels with arched braces at roof level and a queen post truss to the gable. A brick rear extension is visible, with a row of small gable roofs and some projecting ground-floor additions. The northern end of the building is largely brick externally, with apparently modern windows.

Inside, the hall and cross wing areas retain historic timber framing, and the relationship between the two spaces is still discernible on the plan, despite later subdivision. The former hall retains its timber structure, including a substantial chamfered ceiling beam and timber joists. A large inglenook fireplace contains timber seating on either side, likely dating from the 19th century. The cross wing also displays surviving timber structure, and in what is now the sitting room, there is possible evidence of a ceiling opening indicating the location of a ladder stair. The upper floor allows visibility of the substantial roof structure of the cross wing, with curved braces at each end.