53 AND 53A, HIGH STREET (See details for further address information)

Nos 53 and 53A on High Street is a merchant's house dating from the 16th or 17th century, designed in the "deux corps de batiments" style. It was later remodeled in the 18th century and has undergone modern alterations, but it still retains the former kitchen block, which is now part of a ruin house. The building features a Welsh slate roof with rendered stacks and a gabled, timber-framed front that has moulded strings at the second floor and attic. The exterior is slate-hung, and there are mid-19th century sash windows on the first floor, with strings that break forward to form cornices. The ground floor has a loggia over the pavement supported by ashlar piers on quoins and modern wooden pillars that carry an entablature. Inside, there is a later 18th century staircase leading to the upper floors, featuring a closed string, turned balusters, and square newels. A rear first floor room includes an 18th century mantle on the chimneypiece.