Fenton House

Fenton House is a detached house dating from approximately 1693, with substantial remodelling in the early 19th century, likely by PI Fenton, a Riga merchant who purchased the property in 1793 and after whom it is named. Later renovations occurred around 1936, probably by Lady Binning. The house has a rectangular plan with shallow wings projecting from the east facade. It is constructed of brown brick with red brick dressings and a plain brick band. The roof is tiled, hipped, and features tall brick chimney stacks at the angles, dormers (weatherboarded on the wings), and a reconstructed wooden modillion eaves cornice extending around the building.

The exterior is two storeys, with an attic and basement. It features gauged red brick flat arches over flush framed sash windows with exposed boxing. Segmental arched basement windows are fitted with wrought-iron stay bars and casements. Lead rainwater pipes are present. The east (entrance) front has a fenestration pattern of 2:3:2, with a blind central window. A recessed central bay contains an early 19th-century distyle-in-antis Roman Doric portico, leading to an early 19th-century doorway with a fluted surround, patterned fanlight, and a part-glazed door. A blind window, previously displaying a clock and now inscribed "Fenton House 1963", is also present. Wings are topped with balustraded parapets above the cornice.

The south (garden) front displays a fenestration pattern of 1/2:3:1/2, with a slightly projecting central bay capped by a modillion pediment. A central doorway features fluted Doric pilasters supporting an entablature and pediment, with a part-glazed door. The west front includes a 20th-century projecting two-storey, single-window brick bay, with sections of the upper floor cemented over. The north front has five windows, with a tall staircase window centrally placed, and a 20th-century basement doorway.

The interior retains notable original features, including staircases with twisted balusters, original panelling in the main rooms, corner cupboards, and marble fireplaces.

Historically known as Ostend House in the early 18th century and Clock House later in the 18th century, Fenton House was bequeathed to the National Trust by Lady Binning in 1952, alongside a porcelain collection. The property now also houses a collection of 17th and 18th-century harpsichords and spinets.