The Chantry

The Chantry is a building dated 1858, marked by the initials J F (the builder's initials) in a quartrefoil on a plaque located on the easternmost of the three gabled bays that make up the front. The building features a one-storey front, with the larger central bay containing an attic, while the back rises to two storeys due to the sloping hill, where the basement is of full height. The walls are made of polygonal Reigate stone with window voussoirs. The roof has a banded pattern with decorative ridge tiles, bargeboards, and finials. There is a central pointed arched doorway with double doors and a variety of windows. The house was previously known as Furze Hill House and was built for the painter Samuel Palmer by his father-in-law. He was the first occupant and lived there until his death in 1881, during which time he created illustrations for Milton's works. The house is listed for this historical significance.