Treemans

Treemans is an L-shaped building dating from the 16th century. It is primarily timber-framed, though now mostly covered in tiles, with exposed timbering and red brick infilling in one area. The south front of the southeast wing features ashlar stonework with long and short quoins and a prominent brick chimney breast. The northeast wing has a two-storey projection with a gable on its east side, marking the end of the Elizabethan section of the house. This wing was extended to the east in the late 17th century and has been refaced or enlarged on its northwest face. This front has three storeys and five windows, constructed of red brick with grey headers. There is a stone stringcourse above each floor and a brick parapet. The windows are casement style with stone keystones and small square leaded panes. The doorway features semi-circular steps, an eight-panelled door, and a flat hood above. The north gable end of this wing has moulded bargeboards and brackets, displaying the date 1693, along with a brick stringcourse. The house was occupied by the Wyatt family for many years but is most notably associated with Mary Benson, the widow of Edward White Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury, who lived here from 1899 until her death in 1918. It is known that some works by her three sons—A.C. Benson, R.H. Benson, and E.F. Benson—were written here. E.F. Benson's book "Mother" provides a detailed account of Mrs. Benson's life in the house.