Ashley Court

Ashley Court is a former rectory that has been converted into a house. It was established as a parsonage in 1650 and underwent extensions in the early 19th century and in 1871 by the architect E.F. Law for Rev. R. Pulteney. The building features squared coursed limestone and ironstone, with some brickwork that is partially rendered, along with 19th-century half-timbering and pargetting, all topped with a slate roof.

Originally designed in a U-shape, the layout is now more complex. The central ground floor section dates back to the 17th century and includes 2- and 4-light stone mullion windows with leaded lights. The ground floor flanking windows and three first-floor windows to the left are similar 19th-century stone mullion windows set in brickwork. To the right, the first floor has a five-window range of casements set in 19th-century half-timbering, featuring gables and bargeboards above alternate windows. The building has brick stacks at the ridge and ends.

The entrance front, located to the right, showcases a central 17th-century stone gable with 19th-century three-light stone mullion windows. There are also 19th-century porches on either side, featuring ribbed and studded doors set in moulded stone surrounds with four-centred heads. The range to the right is likely from the early 19th century.

The garden elevations display 19th-century rendered brick gables and a brick center bay with stone mullion and transom windows, complemented by ashlar gable parapets and finials. Inside, there is a 19th-century staircase around an open well, featuring a simple Gothic style balustrade. Some first-floor rooms contain early 19th-century panelled doors with reeded architraves, along with various 19th-century marble fireplaces. The building ceased to function as a rectory in 1919 and is part of a group of significant buildings along Main Street.