Parliament Piece

A large house dating from circa 1620 and 1680-1700, located in Ramsbury. The house is constructed of English bond brickwork with a tiled roof, and has two storeys and an attic. The original section, facing the road, features a high ashlar limestone plinth, string course, and quoins. It originally comprised five bays, with a further one-bay extension added around 1800 to the right. A further build of 1680-1700 extends the left facade by three bays, using similar brickwork but with a flint plinth and the absence of quoins. An entrance at the rear of the earlier section leads to a square hall. The front door is a six-panelled door within a Roman Doric portico of two bays with a balustrade, likely dating from the 19th century, and featuring a decorative fanlight. Throughout the house are wood cross windows, with leaded glazing, moulded stone sills, and gauged brick lintels featuring stone keys. Moulded and dentilled eaves are also present. There are two dormers with heavy moulded pediments, and three more on the return. The house includes four-flue brick stacks with arched panels. Inside, an 18th century open well staircase is present. The dining room to the left features a panelled dado and an 18th century fireplace with marble and wood detailing. A plaster cornice is also visible. The drawing room has a stone fireplace, possibly from the 19th century.