Cotfield And Matfield

This is a large house, divided into two properties, dating to the early 19th century. It is constructed of stuccoed stone and brick with a hipped slate roof concealed behind parapets, and rendered stacks. The main part of the house is double-depth, with two rooms wide, and features an off-centre entrance on the north side, likely leading into a stair hall. A service wing, slightly set back, adjoins the main range at the right (west) end, facing a stable block to the west. The service wing is now a separate property (Matfield). The north elevation has four bays and two windows on the service wing. The main range’s north elevation features rusticated quoins, a parapet with a moulded cornice, and an asymmetrically placed porch with Tuscan columns, an entablature, and a parapet. The porch contains a good six-panel front door. The fenestration is regular, with 12-pane sashes and architraves; the ground floor windows have floating cornices. The east elevation has three bays with similar fenestration. A conservatory projects at right angles to the main range on the south elevation. The service wing is entered on its west side through a single-storey entrance block and retains its original sash windows. Interior inspection was not possible, but panelled shutters remain throughout the ground floor of the main range, suggesting the presence of original interior features. This is a compact gentleman’s house of the early 19th century, notable for its bold architectural details, a handsome entrance front, and a largely unaltered exterior.