Olivers

Olivers is a country house situated within its grounds, with origins in the 18th century but primarily dating to the early 19th century, with 20th-century modifications by Detmar Blow. The main facade is constructed of fine limestone ashlar, while the remainder of the building employs coursed and squared stone. The roof is covered with Welsh slate. The original L-shaped layout has been altered to an approximate T-plan, featuring a long, nearly symmetrical principal front dominated by a full-height semicircular portico bay, and two slightly projecting end bays; a 20th-century extension is situated to the far left.

The house is two stories tall, with casements on the ground floor arranged in a 2+2:3:3:2+2 light pattern, incorporating stone mullions and stopped hoods. A deep recessed area with French windows is located on the far left. The first floor is characterized by sash windows divided by stone mullions, also under stopped hoods, arranged in a 3:3:3 pattern, followed by three casements to the central bow, and then another 3:3 pattern. The windows have glazing bars, with intersecting bars to the heads. The central section features recessed glazed doors situated within a Doric portico. The building is finished with a cornice, a parapet incorporating some balusters in the outer pavilions, and numerous stacks.

The rear of the house includes a two-gabled section added in the mid-20th century. At the upper level, an entrance is flanked by three-light recessed chamfer stone mullioned casements, all sheltered by a stepped hood, with a later three-light window above. A flat-roofed extension is present to the right. A section of wall featuring swept coping and a parallel door is located to the right of the main entrance.

The interior has undergone significant modification and retains a fireplace with a deep chamfered surround. Demolition is reported to have occurred in the 1970s. Historical records indicate a John Oliver resided in Painswick in 1548, and Oliver’s Mill is located in the valley below the house.