Ivythorn Manor

Ivythorn Manor is a historic monastic dwelling that later became a country house. It has medieval origins and was rebuilt in 1488 for Abbot Selwood of Glastonbury Abbey. After the dissolution of the monasteries, it passed to the Marshall and Sydenham families. Sir John Sydenham added a wing in 1578, although this was later demolished. By 1834, the house was partly in ruins but was restored around 1904, with significant alterations and additions, including a west wing built in 1938.

The manor is constructed of coursed and squared rubble with coped verges on kneelers topped with finials, and it features a triple Roman tile roof and tall rubble stacks. The building has an irregular L-plan layout, with an entrance front that is two storeys high and consists of one-to-one bays under front-facing gables. The left gable is the largest and projects forward, featuring a 6-light moulded stone-mullioned window on each floor, with iron stanchions, saddle bars, leaded lights, stopped labels, and carved stone angels as stops, along with relieving arches. The narrow right bay is set back and contains a two-storey porch with a 2-light stone-mullioned window on the first floor, a stopped label, and an iron casement with leaded lights.

The outer door on the ground floor has a moulded stone surround with a 4-centred arch head, above which is a corbel carved as a head. Inside, there is a benched area on a flagstone floor, and the inner door features a moulded surround with a 4-centred arch head, ribbed and studded plank construction, and iron strap hinges. Above this door is a freestone tablet displaying the arms of Abbot Selwood. The left and right returns of the building conform to this style, with many features restored. The west wing, although relatively modern and much altered, is included as it completes the overall ensemble. The interior boasts 15th-century moulded beams in one room and original fireplace openings.