Oakhayes Oakhayes, Formerly Listed As Rectory

Oakhayes, formerly the Rectory, is a large house situated within a garden setting. It was built around the 1730s under the direction of Rev. W Hawkins, with substantial additions made in the early 19th century under Rev. G Raymond. The house is constructed of lias ashlar walls with Portland stone cornices, and has slate roofs with hipped forms. It features two prominent clustered stacks positioned at the hip apexes, to the left and right.

The central block, dating to the early 18th century, is three storeys high, with cellars beneath, and is characterised by two plat-bands and a cornice. It has five bays, with sash windows featuring nearly-flush frames and projecting stone keys to each window. The front door, located centrally, is constructed with flush and recessed panels, panelled wooden reveals, and a moulded architrave. Above the door is a semi-circular fanlight with glazing bars. A porch was added in the early 19th century, built in a Roman Doric style with flat canopy and a dentil and modillion cornice.

The wings, which are later additions, are two storeys high and one bay wide each. The ground floor windows of the wings are tripartite sashes with semi-circular recessed heads; the south wing is currently blocked internally. A verandah runs along the ground floor of the south front and features trelliswork supports with a flared pentice roof.

The interior of the house includes a striking hall staircase of cantilevered spiral form, extending to the full height of the building. It has plain balusters, a handrail, and a newel post. The staircase ceiling is decorated with a plaster oval motif featuring bay-leaf ornament and neo-Classical paterae. A rear staircase window has panelled reveals and a round head with intersecting glazing bars. Seven internal metal fanlights, of good design, are present over doorways. The Dining Room and Drawing Room feature white marble fireplaces of neo-Classical design, along with moulded plaster cornices and dado-rails. Original six-panel doors and window shutters are also intact.