The Ridding

The Ridding is a large house built in 1857, with alterations made in the late 19th century, designed by E.G. Paley for B.H. Bent. It is constructed of squared rubble with sandstone ashlar dressings and features a slate roof, showcasing a Scottish baronial style.

The entrance front has two storeys and three bays, including a squat two-stage tower on the left. The entrance, which was originally located in the central bay, was moved to the base of the tower in the late 19th century. It features a moulded surround with a two-centre head and hoodmould, adorned with carved head stops, and has two six-panel doors with long iron hinges. Below the tower's parapet is a two-light window with a flat-faced mullion and shouldered heads. The parapet is supported by shaped corbels and includes rope moulding, arrow-slits, and clasping turrets topped with conical roofs. The steeply pitched hipped roof is complemented by a decorative metal balustrade.

The central bay has a similar two-light window on each floor, with the upper window featuring a corbelled surround and a crowstepped gable. The right-hand bay contains a two-light transomed and mullioned window with round heads. There is roll moulding at the top of the battered plinth and at the first-floor cill level, which rises over a now-missing plaque in the tower. A datestone inscribed with "B.H.B. 1856" is located on the stables to the north.

The Ridding is prominently situated on a spur overlooking the Wenning Valley. The designs for the west and south elevations, signed and dated by Paley, are in the possession of the owners.