De Vere House

De Vere House is an imposing timber-framed building dating from the 15th century, likely constructed between 1425 and 1485. It is situated on Water Street in Lavenham. Traditionally, the house was believed to have been built for the De Vere family, who owned it until the late 17th century; carved emblems of a star and boar, representing the De Vere family, are visible on the doorhead. Accounts suggest it originally extended further east towards the White Horse Inn. It was partially dismantled and reconstructed in the 1920s.

The building consists of two main wings with gables facing the street, a smaller gable between them, and a wing to the rear. It is two storeys high with attics. The front facade features exposed timber framing with modern brick nogging, while the east side has plaster infill. The upper storey is jettied outward at two levels, supported by carved bressumers, soffits, and wall plates, which incorporate curved brackets, some moulded capitals, and remnants of shafts. Carved bressumers are also present in the gables. The windows have been replaced with designs imitating 15th and 16th-century styles, and there are oriel windows on the ground floor. The doorway is distinguished by finely carved doorposts, head, and spandrels. The interior retains noteworthy original features.