The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory is a former rectory located in Melbury Osmond Village, now serving as a private dwelling. The building features a south range dating from the 17th century, with an additional range at right angles to the north, which may date from the 17th or 18th century. This northern range has a 19th-century addition on its east side. The main entrance is now situated on the west front. The structure is built with rubble-stone walls and has slate roofs, with the ridge of the south range running east-west and stone gable-copings. There are two parallel ridges on the north side, along with brick stacks at the gable ends of the south range and on the ridge of the northeast wing, as well as in the valley behind.

The building is two storeys high with attics. The east elevation features the gable end of the south range, which includes a 2-light hollow-chamfered stone mullion window with separate labels above and iron casements, along with a single light window in the gable-head. To the right, there are two 2-light wood casements. The projecting northeast range has three windows: the ground floor has a 2-light and a 3-light casement with glazing bars, while the first floor features two sashes with glazing bars and a 3-light casement with glazing bars. The windows have stone architraves and cills. The central doorway has a flat stone architrave and a 20th-century door. The south wall displays two 2-light ovolo-moulded stone mullions with separate labels and 19th-century iron casements, arranged irregularly.

The west elevation is also irregular, featuring a projecting stack embrasure at the gable end. To the left of this is the front entrance, which has a panelled and glazed 20th-century door, with iron casements and lead lights above. Inside, the west part of the cross-wing retains original moulded ceiling beams with a central boss carved as a sunflower, along with an open fireplace. The dining room has exposed ceiling beams and a 17th-century door. An early 18th-century staircase features turned balusters and a ramped handrail.