The Baron'S

The Baron's is a house located on Church Street in Reigate, built in 1721 by Richard Devon, as indicated by the rainwater head inscribed with "R Devon 1721." The house is named after Frances Maseres, who was Cursitor Baron of the Exchequer and lived there from 1774 to 1824. Maseres was known for his eccentricity, having been born during the reign of George II and continuing to wear the fashion of that era throughout his life. The property later served as a dower house for the Somers family, who owned Reigate Priory. Lady Henry Somerset resided here after transferring the Priory to her son, remaining until her death in 1921.

The building features two storeys and an attic, with the original section comprising five windows and three dormers. It is constructed of red brick, with a cornice and a panelled parapet, topped by a hipped tiled roof. The central window bay projects slightly, and the windows are sashes with glazing bars set in moulded architrave surrounds, featuring gauged flat brick arches above and aprons below. The entrance door consists of six fielded panels and is adorned with a patterned fanlight, set within an Ionic doorcase that has a modillioned cornice and pediment. There are good wrought iron area railings.

To the east of the original structure is a recessed section with three windows, likely added in the late 19th century, which also retains the rainwater head from 1721. Further east, there is a modern addition with two windows.