The Old Rectory

The Old Rectory is a house dated 1742, which was enlarged in the early 19th century, likely involving the rebuilding of an earlier dwelling. The building is rendered with a slate roof and features an external stack on the left with large early 19th-century brick chimneys. The main block has a service wing to the right. It is two storeys plus an attic and has five bays, with sash windows and three gabled dormers. The central bay is distinguished by giant pilasters and has French windows on the first floor that open onto an 18th-century wooden decorative porch with a Chinese Chippendale style balcony and glazed double doors below. The left return elevation has two bays with a projecting splayed bay window featuring glazing bar sashes, with the service wing beyond, likely part of the 19th-century additions. The gable end displays a plaque with the date 1742 and an inscription referring to the rebuilding in that year. The interior has not been viewed. This house was the home of Sidney Smith, a wit and raconteur, who served as the Vicar of Combe Florey from 1829 to 1845.