Piers Court

Piers Court is a large detached house, largely dating to the late 18th century, though incorporating an earlier house likely from the 16th century. The main block is rendered to the parapet and features a fluted frieze band and a hipped tiled roof. It has tall stacks with moulded caps and skirts. The north front has two storeys and a 2+3+2 window arrangement, with original sash windows containing glazing bars. The central three bays are slightly brought forward and supported by Doric pilasters. A six-panel fielded door is set within a Doric open pedimented doorcase, the frieze decorated with rosettes. A prominent half-octagonal bay extending from the right return features sash windows matching the north front, connecting to a lower wing built of rubble with an ashlar stack, known as Piers Cottage. A south wing runs parallel to the main block, slightly offset, and is rendered to the parapet with large ball finials and a stone slate roof. It has an ashlar stack and a three-window front, with small two-light casements on the second floor and two-light sash windows with glazing bars on the first and ground floors, all with stone cills. A plank and batten door is centrally positioned within a broad 16th century wave and ovolo moulded wooden frame.

The interior of the older section includes heavy, stop-chamfered spine beams with run-out stops, some exposed box timber framing at the interface between old and new construction, and a bell within an opening in the west gable – traditionally used to summon the court formerly held in what is now Piers Cottage. The 18th century section features a generous stone staircase with stick balusters and a swept mahogany rail, and retains many contemporary shutters and doors. Piers Court was the home of Evelyn Waugh from January 1937 to October 1956.