Swaffham Prior House

Swaffham Prior House is a small country house primarily built in the mid to late 18th century, although it has origins dating back to the 17th century. In the 19th century, the house was extended. It is constructed of narrow yellow brick in English bond and features a parapetted gable roof covered with plain tiles, which has end parapets and two ridge stacks—one from the late 18th century, likely replacing a 17th-century stack, and the other from the 19th century. The parapet is topped with a late 19th-century stone balustrade adorned with ball finials.

The house has two storeys and attics, with bands between the storeys and at the eaves height. There are five hipped dormers. The main facade consists of nine bays, including three slightly projecting central bays. It features segmental-headed arches and stone sills for nine recessed hung sashes, each with twelve panes. Most of the hung sashes are from the 19th century, but three on the ground floor to the left have original ovolo glazing bars. A late 19th-century pedimented Doric portico made of Ketton stone is also present. The 19th-century extensions are made of grey brick and include a two-storey, half-round bay on the right-hand gable end.

Inside, there is little visible evidence of the original 17th-century house. One room is lined with reset panelling and overmantels, mostly from the 17th century, featuring typical round-headed blind arcading and early 17th-century newel work. The back staircase, likely late 17th century, has symmetrical balusters. In 1751, the house was acquired by Dr. John Peter Allix, and it remained in his family until around 1980.