Priory House

Priory House is a country house, now used as offices, rebuilt between 1766 and 1772, with some remodelling and extensions in the mid-19th century. It is constructed of local rubble stone with granite quoins and granite sills. The house has a double-depth plan and was originally accompanied by two single-storey wings; the left-hand wing was heightened when the house was extended in the mid-19th century. The front is three storeys high and symmetrical, with a five-window design and flanking one-window bays that feature round-arched recessed panels. It retains its original 12-pane hornless sash windows. A central doorway features an original traceried fanlight over a glazed and panelled door, and is sheltered by a Tuscan porch. The rear elevation retains most of its original sash windows. To the left of the house is an excavated area revealing the remains of the former priory.

The interior includes an open-well staircase with a closed string, column-over-vase turned balusters and a ramped mahogany handrail scrolled over the newel post. There are panelled doors and window shutters with fielded panels, along with some moulded ceiling cornices – including one on the first floor to the right which features dentils. Other interior details include panelled reveals, a moulded arch between the entrance and stair hall supported by panelled pilasters, and at least two chimney pieces with eared architraves. Panelling and moulded architraves within the right-hand wing are probably from the mid-19th century. The date of construction is derived from an engraving of the house.