Cothelstone Manor

ST13SE COTHELSTONE CP

3/86 Cothelstone Manor

25.2.55

GV II*

Incorrectly marked on OS map as Cothelstone Farm formerly Manor House. Manor House. Mid C16, largely demolished 1646 and rebuilt 1855-6. Squared coursed red sandstone with white limestone dressings, tiled roof, coped gabled wings, ashlar stacks and large external stack on left return elevation. "U"-plan. 2 storeys, 1:2:1 bays; 5-light mullion windows to right of entrance in central block, 7-light in gabled wings groundfloor, string course, above paired 2-light mullions under hood moulds with blind niches in gable ends. Central block has pair of 3-light mullions projecting through the eaves with gabled tops carrying ball finials on the kneelers with coronets at apices similar to gabled wings. All the mullions are of the tripartite baluster type unique to Cothelstone. Groundfloor windows have oval leaded panes, those above are diamond shaped. Main block and inner return walls of wings have unusual tapering buttresses set on moulded plinths with carved design set on imposts. Similar reduced versions with ball finials and partially twisted shafts flank the 4-centred arch entrance surmounted by an elaborate coat of arms. Mid C19 internal porch with arched doorway to right. Rain water head inscribed EJE 1856. Interior: all appears to date from the mid C19. After the destruction of the Civil War only the left-hand wing and ground floor of the central block remained. The house was re-roofed and restored by E.J. Esdaile 1855-6. (B. Stawell, History of a Quantock Family, 1910; Country Life, Jan 11, 1908, SANHS Proceedings, vol 44, 1898, vol 54, 1908; photographs NMR).

Listing NGR: ST1814531800