Argyle House

Argyle House is a large building now used as offices, originally constructed in the late 17th century with some alterations made in the 19th century. It features mass wall construction that is painted, stuccoed, and blocked out, topped with a slate roof adorned with red ridge tiles and cast iron rainwater goods. The building has an L-shaped plan, with the main range and a front right wing that is gabled. It is one room deep, with heating provided by a stack located at the left end and a central stair at the rear right.

The exterior consists of three storeys plus attics and basements, presenting an asymmetrical five-window front. The entrance includes a porch with a six-panel door featuring fielded panels and a moulded architrave, along with a rectangular overlight containing margin panes. On the ground floor, there is a 12-pane boxed hornless sash window to the left and a tripartite boxed sash window on the right in the wing, which has 2/2, 6/6, and 2/2 panes. The first and second floors have 2-light casement windows, and there is a 2-light casement window in the gable and a 2-light casement roof dormer. The basement window on the left is a 3-light casement, while the right side of the wing has two 2-light casements. The left return of the wing features blind windows, and there are cross ties at the first floor level. The right return is also stuccoed and painted, with a skylight in the roof and additional cross ties at the first and second floor levels on the left.

Inside, there is a dogleg stair with stick balusters leading to the first floor, and the original 17th-century staircase with turned balusters remains at the second floor level. Although not seen during inspection, 17th-century doors and a bolection-moulded chimney-piece have been photographically recorded by John R L Thorp. The 19th-century features include doorcases, doors, and shutters, along with a Victorian tiled fireplace located on the ground floor to the left.

Historical records, including photographs and measured drawings by John Thorp, are archived at the Exeter Museums Archaeological Field Unit. Argyle House is recognized as a good example of a 17th-century town house that has survived in the city center.