Henstead Hall

Henstead Hall is a large country house, now operating as a hotel. It was originally built in the 18th century and significantly altered and improved in 1794 for Reverend John Amyas, with further additions made in the early 19th century. The house is constructed of stucco over brick, with a slated roof. It has three storeys, with some two-storey sections at the rear. The facade has seven windows arranged in a 3:1:3 pattern, with full-height three-light canted bays on either side. A mid-to-late 19th century addition is present on the right-hand side, which is windowless on the main facade. It features sash windows with glazing bars set in flush frames. The central doorway has a four-panel door with raised and fielded lower panels and glazed upper panels, and is set within a mid-19th century Greek Doric portico consisting of four fluted columns and two plain pilasters. A wooden modillion eaves cornice runs around the building, extending to the left-hand return front. On the left-hand return front are six sash windows (some with blank panels), and behind this a two-bay, two-storey addition. The staircase from the late 18th century has two turned balusters per tread, a ramped and wreathed handrail, and carved tread ends. The left-hand front room contains a stone fireplace with a frieze depicting a reclining Grecian figure; shelved recesses with painted decoration are positioned either side of the fireplace. A doorway off the hall has shafted reveals, each terminating in a bearded head of a man, one appearing sad, and one appearing happy. A veined marble fireplace is located in the bar area, dating from the early 19th century.