Sarah Siddons House The Old House

SO 51 NE LYDBROOK LOWER LYDBROOK

1/52 The Old House, also called Sarah Siddons House (formerly listed as Sarah Siddons 12.12.53 House under Lydbrook)

II*

House. C16, with early C18 extension (dated 1718). Timber framed, with later brick nogging on road front, on stone plinth with sill beams. Slate roof, 2 end stone stacks. Single range with 2-storey porch at rear and extension to right continued as lean-to at back up to porch. 2 storeys and cellar. Road front - 2 windows, C19 triple sashes. Door to cellar. Rear central porch with timber Tudor arch opening with ogee head and original double boarded timber front door. Porch added, but only slightly later than house. Some remaining 6- and 9-light wooden mullion windows on this side, 2 now replaced. Interior: original spiral oak staircase with access to roof. Roof has 2 low collar beams and struts to the beams, with 2 purlins on one side and one purlin plus wind braced rafters on road side. Substantial remains of wattle and daub panelling in roof and on rear wall. Main downstairs room - almost complete C17 panelled interior with large fireplace with carved mantel, and panelled plastered ceiling with figure and fruit and foliage. Beam also plastered in same vigorous style. Detail obscured by layers of lime wash. Many original oak doors and latches. Bressumer fireplace also in other ground floor room in main range. Reputed to have been home of Sarah Siddons.

Listing NGR: SO5981116117