The Gatehouse

The Gatehouse is a house dating back to the 16th century, with further development in the 17th century, and some 19th century and minor 20th century alterations. It is constructed of coursed and squared lias rubble with thatched roofs, and features four rendered stacks. The building has a three-unit and cross passage plan, with later wings added to either side, creating a U-shaped frontage. It is two storeys high, with a 1:2:1 bay arrangement. The windows are reserved chamfer stone mullioned, with 2-, 3-, and 4-light openings. Many windows have iron stanchions, iron casements, and leaded lights. A three-light window with ovolo moulding is found on the first floor of the central two bays. A reproduction 2-light window is present on the return of the left wing, and a blank 2-light opening on the gable face of the right wing. The right gable is blank. The central door has a moulded surround with a four-centred head and a reproduction ribbed and studded door. An elaborate gabled porch with an ashlar frontage features a door opening in a moulded surround, flanked by Ionic pilasters supporting a fluted frieze with acanthus decoration and a triangular pediment. The gable of the porch features a coping and a ball finial. The rear elevation has four bays with irregular fenestration, including 1-, 3-, and 4-light moulded stone mullioned windows, one of which has a transom; two reproduction 2- and 3-light wooden mullioned windows are also present. A central door opening has a moulded surround with a flat pointed head and a reproduction ribbed and studded door with a glazed panel. The porch to this entrance has an outer door opening with a moulded stone surround, a depressed arch head, frieze, cornice, and a pediment displaying raised lettering reading "1637". A projecting stack to the left has a concrete block capping. Inside, a prominent feature is the fireplace on the left of the ground floor, which has a moulded dressed stone surround, pilasters, and initials "RA" and "RW" carved into the stonework; it also has an elaborately moulded cornice, a triangular pediment with a lozenge panel bearing initials "RA", a finial, a blank shield, and a fleur-de-lis. The roof is of cruck construction, showing some smoke blackening, possibly indicating a former open hall. It is believed that the 17th-century work was commissioned by a Richard Walton. The name "Gatehouse" does not appear to have a historical association.