Collaford House

Collaford House is a merchant's house with a complex history. While a lease dates back to 1548, the basement appears to be medieval and the upper floors were substantially remodelled in the mid-17th century. Further modernisations occurred, including a significant refurbishment in the mid-20th century. The construction is mixed, featuring thick stone rubble side walls combined with plastered timber framing on the front and back walls above the first floor. A stone rubble stack is located on the right side, with a rendered chimneyshaft, and the roof is slate-covered.

The house presents a single-room plan, facing onto Collaford Lane. The exterior is two storeys with a single-window range. The first floor has a jetty supported by corbelled ends of the side walls. The basement features a red sandstone two-centred arch containing an old plank door with large wrought-iron strap hinges; a 20th-century window with glazing bars is positioned to the left. A ground floor doorway, accessed by stone steps with a timber balustrade, shows a doorway with a 20th-century top-glazed six-panel door. A 16-pane sash window, originally a late 18th/early 19th century doorway, features a radial fanlight pattern of glazing bars. A smaller window with glazing bars is located to the right. The heavily-rebuilt oriel window on the first floor has three forward lights, casements with glazing bars, shaped timber brackets and a hipped roof. An attic window above is a two-light casement with glazing bars, set under a gable with shaped bargeboards.

The interior largely reflects the 20th-century refurbishment. Exposed old crossbeams of large scantling are visible, though crudely finished; only the ground-floor front beam is neatly chamfered. Blocked fireplaces feature later grates and chimneypieces. A straight flight staircase serves the first floor, with a newel leading to the second floor, all of 20th-century construction, though the top landing balustrade with turned balusters is likely late 17th century. The roof space is inaccessible.

Historical records include a lease from 1548, and photographs documenting the refurbishment process. The house is an important building within the group of listed buildings surrounding the Church of St. Saviour.