Heronsbrook

Heronsbrook is a large house, originally dating to the early 16th century, which has undergone significant alterations over time. It was altered in the 17th century, largely rebuilt in the late 18th century, and extended in the 19th and 20th centuries. The exterior is of painted stucco, with a steeply pitched, hipped tile roof. The building was originally rectangular, based on a central staircase plan, but has since been extended to the left side and at the rear. It has several brick chimneys with corniced heads and clay pots. The windows are sash windows, with those on the ground floor retaining glazing bars. The east front has a low projecting plinth and bracketed eaves cornice, with five bays and three hipped roof dormers, each featuring a casement window with glazing bars. A central feature includes a Venetian window on the first floor, flanked by wide Doric columns. The central entrance has a six-panel door in a round-arched, panelled surround, with a plain fanlight and sidelights. The doorcase is formed by four pilasters that frame the door and sidelights and support a cornice. A canted bay is present on the left return. Internally, some timber framing of large scantling is visible on both floors at the rear of the building, including a double roll-moulded beam on the ground floor. There is 17th-century panelling and a chalk fireplace with a four-centred head in the front right-hand room.