The Old House

The Old House is a house with late medieval origins that was remodeled and likely extended in the 17th century, with renovations in the late 20th century. It is constructed of whitewashed rendered cob and stone, with some brick rebuilding, and features a thatched roof with gables at both ends. The building has an L-shaped plan, with the main range facing the road and a front left wing. At right angles to the main range is a late medieval open hall, which was probably floored in the 17th century when the crosswing may have been added, creating a fine first-floor chamber. There is a possibility that the main range has been truncated, indicated by a brick end wall.

The exterior is two storeys high with an asymmetrical one-window front. The eaves of the thatched roof are eyebrowed over a 20th-century timber casement with small panes, along with a 20th-century porch and front door. The crosswing projects to the front on the left side, and its left return, partially rebuilt in brick, has 20th-century small-pane timber casements.

Inside, the ground floor of the wing features chamfered crossbeams with chamfers and run-out stops. The first floor of the crosswing retains the remains of a fine chamber with decorated plasterwork, including a plaster cornice visible in the roof space and a plaster overmantel adorned with figures and remnants of a floral motif. The roof of the main range preserves blackened timbers, with jointed cruck main trusses mortised at the apex and collars that are lap dovetailed into the principals.

Historically, the manor of Chiverstone is mentioned in the Domesday Book. In the 14th century, it belonged to Sir John de Chiverstone, who married Joan Courtenay, the daughter of the Earl of Devon and sister of Sir Philip Courtenay, who built Powderham Castle. In his will, he stated that if he died without issue, he would leave his land to his wife's family, to which he was much devoted, leading to the manor passing to the Courtenays. This historical information has been provided by the current owner, Mrs. Strange, who has researched the history of the house.