Old Riffhams

Old Riffhams is a mid-16th century building, likely with an earlier core, that was almost entirely refaced in red brick during the 18th century. It is a substantial house with considerable alterations, but retaining many 16th, 17th, and 18th century features. The house is built on a half-H plan and sits on sloping ground, resulting in a semi-basement ground storey at the rear and a first-floor entrance on the south front. It has three storeys and attics.

The south front features projecting wings at the east and west ends, with rusticated brick quoins. The central block is divided into three bays by rusticated pilasters. A moulded brick cornice runs between the storeys, and small curvilinear gables rise above the parapet over the end wings and the central bay of the main block. The central part has a three-window range, while the end bays each have a single window range plus a single window on the inner face. The windows are double-hung sashes with glazing bars in plain reveals, with segmental arched heads. Most of the second-storey windows are blocked, except for one on the east wing and the central window of the main block. A central doorway has an architrave and cornice.

The east wing was extended northwards in the 18th century, and the east front is divided into three bays by plain pilasters, each surmounted by a curvilinear gable. This front has a three-window range and 2 and 3-light wood mullioned and transomed casements with glazing bars. Raised brick bands run between the storeys. The north front is irregular, with two slightly projecting bays, several curvilinear gables, and a large external chimney stack with three octagonal shafts. The central part of this front is timber framed, featuring a two-storey gabled porch. The upper storey has exposed timber framing, while the lower storey is brick faced, with original bargeboards and pendants to the gable. A variety of windows are present. The porch contains a small bay window supported on a carved bracket and flanked by small mullioned windows with leaded lights. Raised brick bands run between the storeys where the front is brick-faced.

The west front has a two-window range and a central external chimney stack with two octagonal shafts with star caps.

Internally, the main block contains a central panelled room with an original open fireplace – the arch of which has been rebuilt using old bricks. There is also much exposed studwork and ceiling beams, along with some 18th century panelling and fire grates.