Bownham Grange

Bownham Grange is a large detached house, originally dating from the mid-17th century, with later additions from the early 18th century and 1822, and mid-20th century alterations. It is constructed of coursed and random rubble limestone, partly roughcast rendered, with ashlar chimneys and a stone slate roof. The house has two storeys and an attic, with a cross wing at the north end and a central wing on the west side.

The east front shows that the main range of the house was reduced in length on the left in around 1910 when a section was demolished, leaving a C20 altered single-storey section. The main part of the range to the right is from the 17th century, featuring a three-window arrangement. A rectangular single-storey bay window in a C19 design is located in the former entrance position, below a full gable to the right end. The upper floor has paired 12-pane sashes, and above is a recessed chamfered attic casement with a hoodmould. There are mullioned three-light casements to the left of the casements without mullions, and a gabled roof dormer. Tall ashlar chimneys are situated at each end of the 17th-century section. An early 18th-century wing projects forward to the right, with a two-storey canted bay window capped with a coped top.

The north end has a two-window recessed cavetto mullioned facade, featuring a three-light window on the left and a two-light window on the right, with hoodmoulds to the ground floor only. The west front became the principal facade following the addition of a wing in 1822 at the centre. A north-facing single-storey canted bay window is present on this wing, above which is a tall two- and two-light mullioned window with shouldered arched lights, and a small parapet gable. A tall projecting chimney with a panelled band below the cap is on the west gable end. Mullioned windows are visible on the north side of the wing. The parapet gable of the early 18th-century cross wing has a large mullioned and transomed stair window, and a round arched niche in the gable. A C20 gabled addition with a porch is connected to the 1822 wing on the right side.

Inside, many fittings date from the early 18th century, including panelled window shutters and doors. The upper part of a spiral staircase survives in each gable end of the 17th-century house. Bownham Grange was used as the base of a carrying business owned by the Tanner family in the 18th century. The west wing is considered a very early example of Gothic revival style, possibly designed by G.S. Repton.