The Old Rectory

ASHCOMBE ASHCOMBE SX 97 NW

8/11 The Old Rectory

30.6.61 II

Former rectory. 1810 (information from owner). Whitewashed and stuccoed, probably stone; slate roof (originally thatched) with deep eaves, hipped at ends ; brick end stack. Cottage Ornee. Plan: overall L plan : double depth rectangular main block, 2 rooms wide, with principal rooms to the front, one on either side of a central entrance passage with an oval stair hall to the rear between smaller rooms. A rear left service wing gives an L plan, with a small flat-roofed C20 addition in the angle between the service wing and main block. The thatch was replaced between 1850 and 1879 (Whites' Devon). Exterior: 2 storeys. Symmetrical 3-bay front with exceptionally pretty 9-bay timber trellis verandah extending round the returns of the main block, the verandah with a central gable with a laurel wreath, timber posts encased in trellis work, a plastered ceiling and cobbled floor. Half-glazed central front door with Gothick details including an iron traceried fanlight incorporating stained glass (some medieval), and Gothick panelling to the doorcase. 2-leaf French windows with Tudor arches to left and right, the upper panes with segmental arched glazing bars ; 16-pane sashes to left and right on the first floor, 12-pane sash to the centre. The verandah continues for 3 bays on the left return, 5-bays on the right return which incorporates a 2-leaf arched timber traceried door, probably removed from the church. The left and right returns have small casement windows to the ground floor, the upper panes with segmental arched glazing bars, 2 of the windows are 1970s copies of original windows. Original fenestration of small-pane sashes and casements elsewhere. Interior: Very elegant, on a small scale. The entrance passage and stair hall are especially fine. A doorway to the stair hall has glazed side panels and a glazed fanlight with delicate ornamental glazing bars. The stair hall is a tour de force, very small with a cantilevered open well stair with stick balusters and a wreathed handrail ; curved panelled door at the rear leads into the service wing. The rest of the interior is also very complete with joinery, including shutters, and marble chimney-pieces. The Rectory was described as being "under alteration" in 1821. it has some similarities of design to the larger and more ambitious rectory at Kingsteignton (now known as the Chantry and Elmfield, (q.v.) which has retained its thatch and was described as "nearly built" in 1821 and may be by the same architect. An exceptionally attractive and complete house.

Listing NGR: SX9124779624