Ebford Manor

Ebford Manor is a substantial detached house built in 1710 for Robert Venn, a clothier of Woodbury. It was extended in the mid-19th century and in circa 1909, and is constructed of local red brick in Flemish bond with burnt headers. The roof is steeply pitched and covered in slate. The house has a rear central staircase plan, double depth, with a rear wing extended in the mid-19th century; the principal rooms on the ground and first floors occupy the entire depth of the house. A single-storey front wing, originally an organ chamber, was added in circa 1909. External end stacks are present. The house is three storeys high.

The front elevation is symmetrical, arranged as 1:3:1 bays, with the middle bays projecting under a pediment containing a shield. A moulded cornice and parapet are present, along with rusticated quoining to all angles. A central portico features Greek Doric columns and an entablature with triglyphs; the doorway has panelled reveals and a soffit. Most windows are hornless sash windows with 12 panes, except for those on the second floor which have 3 panes up and 6 down. A single-storey wing projects to the left with sash and French windows, with the front angles cut away in a concave section. The right-hand elevation has a central external stack, with a ramped parapet and panelled shaft, displaying a shield and sundial on the second floor; flues rise to either side of a central window to the ground and first floors (visible in the interior). A false 12-pane sash remains on the first floor, but has been replaced at ground floor level. The left-hand elevation features sash windows on either side of the external stack, with those towards the front being blocked. The rear elevation has irregular fenestration, mainly with 12-pane hornless sash windows, some set under depressed window arches.

The principal ground floor room retains a complete and intact contemporary "trompe l'oeil" panelling scheme in a soft duck egg green. It includes an elaborate grey marble chimney piece with a cornice and triglyphs, along with centred and flanking mirrors, the central mirror functioning as a concealed casement window. Opposite this room, a reception hall is entered through a wide 4-centred arch, now partially filled. The staircase, replaced circa 1840, is open-well with a wreathed rail and bobbin balusters. The main first floor room has a later, less elaborate "trompe l'oeil" scheme, a marble fire surround with a gilt wooden chimneypiece, fluted half columns, a pediment, and plaster of Paris necking and bases; a mirror also opens out as a casement window. Internal panelled shutters are present in most rooms. Some smaller contemporary fireplaces remain. The organ chamber has a cardboard pokerwork cornice.

The rear wing is attached to Haydon's Farmhouse, the former residence of the Venn family while Ebford Manor was under construction.