Alston Court

Alston Court is a significant building located on High Street in Nayland with Wissington. It is likely the former residence of a wealthy wool merchant from the late 15th century, though it has undergone considerable alterations over the years. The building was restored in 1912, during which some earlier mullioned and transomed windows were revealed.

The structure is arranged around a central courtyard, with cross wings extending from the north front at both the east and west ends. The east wing features exposed timber-framing and a jettied upper storey supported by visible joists. Its ground storey includes a prominent 7-light bay window with elaborately moulded oak mullions, a richly carved transom, and a decorative sill. The central block was extended by one storey in the late 17th to early 18th century, showcasing a large 9-light mullioned window with two transoms and heraldic glass in its upper section. The doorway is topped by a semi-circular hood from the late 17th to early 18th century, resting on curved brackets.

The west cross wing has a Venetian window on the upper storey and a double-hung sash window with glazing bars on the ground floor. The central block and west wing are finished in plaster, while the east front displays exposed timber-framing with brick nogging. The courtyard features an 8-light window. Inside, the hall boasts a tie-beam with arched braces and a king post. The dining room is panelled and features richly carved and moulded beams, along with remnants of 15th-century colour decoration. Above the dining room, a solar has a boarded roof supported by curved arched braces on corbels carved in the likeness of human figures. The roofs are tiled.