Great Oakley Hall And Attached Gazebo

Great Oakley Hall is a country house dating back to approximately 1555, with significant additions from the 17th and 18th centuries, and a rebuilding of the south wing in 1893, as indicated by a datestone. It is constructed of limestone ashlar, partially rendered, with a slate roof laid in diminishing courses. The building follows an irregular U-shaped plan, spanning two storeys with an attic.

The main front has a five-window range, with flanking gabled wings projecting forward. A central, single-storey porch, likely from the early 17th century, features an arch-headed opening with keyblocks, reeded pilasters, a frieze and cornice with a balustrade incorporating four roundels, and a 19th-century part-glazed door. Four-light stone mullion windows with arched heads are common, with the exception of two 3-light windows in the attic. Small gables above these attic windows are adorned with semi-circular merlons. A projecting gable to the left contains a two-window range of 2-light stone mullion windows, and a similar window illuminates the attic. A 19th-century wing on the right mirrors this style with a one-window range. Return walls of the wings feature similar 3-light windows. The centre range slightly projects to the left of the porch, with a rendered wall to the right. All windows are topped with drip moulds. Ashlar gable parapets, finials, and ashlar stacks are present at the ridge.

The garden front, to the right of the main front, displays a 19th-century five-window range of 2-, 4-, and 8-light stone mullion windows with transoms and arched heads. It features gables, an eaves parapet, and a double string course dividing the floors. A lateral stack set within a gable displays the arms of Bishop Trollope. A datestone is present in the right gable. The rear elevation to the right is similar in style. An 18th-century extension to the right contains sash windows with gauged stone lintels. An extension to the rear left of the main front incorporates a wood mullion window with a gauged stone head and a six-panel door.

Attached to the left of the main front, linked by outbuildings and a wall, is an 18th-century gazebo, now used as a garden room and apple store. It is constructed of rusticated ashlar, over two storeys, with a one-window range featuring a sash window with glazing bars on the first floor and a ground-floor door opening with a bolection-moulded surround, panelled frieze, and cornice. The elevation to the right mirrors this design with a two-window range. The roof is slate with a plain parapet. A 19th-century building attached to the rear originally served as a laundry.

Inside, the hall displays an ornamental date from 1575. The staircase was remodelled in the 19th century but retains some earlier balusters, and two ceilings feature 18th-century Rococo plasterwork. Carved door surrounds and panelling are predominantly late 19th century, likely incorporating earlier elements. The house was built on the site of an earlier residence, and has remained in the ownership of the de Capell Brooke family. The 1893 work and interior remodelling were undertaken by Bishop Trollope.