Holly Trees (Museum)

Holly Trees is a fine early 18th century brick building, set back from the road in its own grounds, which are now part of the Municipal Castle Park. It features good ironwork railings with a gate leading to the street. Built around 1717-1718, it was the home of Charles Gray (1696-1783), Member of Parliament for Colchester and owner of the Castle estate, who lived here for over 60 years. The west wing was added in 1748 by James Deane.

The main building has three storeys and a basement, constructed of red brick with rubbed brick dressings and a parapet on both the front and rear elevations. Each elevation displays a five-window range of double-hung sashes with glazing bars and segmental heads. The front boasts an impressive central doorcase with a flat hood supported by carved consoles, fluted pilasters, a semi-circular fanlight, and a six-panel door. An iron handrail leads up the steps to the door. The west wing also has three storeys but is at a lower level, featuring cut brick rustications on the ground floor, a first-floor window with a moulded brick pediment and architrave, a Venetian window on the garden elevation, and brick bands. The interior retains many original features.