The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory is a 17th and 18th century house that stands two storeys tall with an attic. Originally, it featured gabled projecting wings on the main east front, but in the 18th century, these were altered to create a continuous symmetrical facade. This facade includes large two-storey bays, each with three windows, added to the wings. The central section consists of three parts, featuring a Venetian window above the doorway, which is now obscured by a modern glazed porch. Three other windows have been filled in to create panels, leaving just one window on the upper floor. The roof is covered in red tiles and is hipped over the bays, while the ground floor bays have casements with mullions and transoms.

On the south elevation, there are three gabled dormers, and the wall displays an exposed timber frame along with a large chimney breast that tapers upwards at the east end. There is also a substantial bay on the ground floor with casement windows. The walling and frame infill are made of red brickwork. The Old Rectory is notable for being the residence of Charles Kingsley from 1844 to 1875, and it is listed as Grade II* due to its literary associations, as he wrote "The Water Babies" here.