17, The Close

17 The Close is a 17th-century building that has been virtually rebuilt, with documentary references dating back to 1442-43. This Jacobean structure stands three storeys tall and is constructed of red brick, featuring stone bands between the storeys and projecting flanking piers, one of which is stuccoed. The building has ashlar quoins and a cornice that is broken forward, along with a deep moulded and coved eaves cornice. It has a hipped roof covered with old tiles.

On the second floor, there are two 4-light stone mullioned windows, while the first and ground floors each have two 4-light stone mullioned and transomed windows. The central doorway is a Victorian neo-Jacobean design, complete with stone pilasters, block imposts, a keystone arch, a panelled stone frieze, and a cornice. The door itself is round-headed and panelled.

The rear north elevation features paired gables, mullioned and transomed windows, and rectangular bays that have largely been renewed. The floor levels on the right side of the building are slightly higher than those on the left.

Inside, there are two turning and arched staircases located in both halves of the building, serving different levels. A curious mezzanine zoom or cupboard with a window overlooks the garden entrance. The entire first floor is one room adorned with panelling, pilasters, and a frieze that showcases geometrical arabesque and strapwork decoration. The plaster frieze includes strapwork, figures, and floral designs, while the ceiling is thin and ribbed with pendants. A four-centred arched fireplace is flanked by carved wood pilasters and fluted tapering pilasters, which support a panelled overmantel. The panelling does not always match the plaster frieze and may have been reset. There is also a panelled room on the second floor at the rear.

All the listed buildings in The Close form an outstanding group.