Hodgeston Hall

Hodgeston Hall is a house dating from around 1800. In 1787, the estate was divided into three shares, with the largest belonging to the Rev. Arthur Owen. By 1840, Griffith Owen held that share, and John Owen occupied the house. It is possible the house once served as a rectory, as Thomas Owen MA was Rector of Hodgeston from 1829. Today, it functions as a farmhouse.

The main range, containing the front entrance and principal reception room, faces east. A substantial cross-wing projects at both the front and rear of the main range. Behind the main range are what appear to have been servants' quarters. The roofs of the main range and cross-wing rise to the same height, although the cross-wing has a lower eaves level. The house is constructed of smooth-rendered rubble limestone masonry, the render lightly scored to imitate stone courses, and has slate roofs. End chimneys are located on the right side of the main range and at the front and rear ends of the cross-wing, with one intermediate chimney in the cross-wing.

The front door features four panels, the top two being sunken and the bottom two flush, alongside narrow side-lights with boxed shutters. A flat-roofed porch with two columns provides cover. Windows generally have exposed frames; those on the front elevation above the doorway have three and six panes, while those below have four and four panes. The cross-wing’s original sashes have largely been replaced with modern single-pane sashes. The reception room on the right (north) side of the main range is well-proportioned and features a tripartite window with mullions and narrow side sashes, along with boxed shutters. The wing’s south elevation has three windows but no entrance door.

Inside, the entrance hall is dominated by a dogleg staircase with a close-string and swept handrail, turned newels, and square balusters. In the best room, the fireplace position has been altered from the gable wall to the rear lateral wall. The rear premises have their upper floor approximately 50cm lower than the rest of the house. A lobby leading to the modern kitchen contains an unusually steep back staircase. Modern additions exist to the west. The cross-wing comprises three rooms, the rear room (west) being the original kitchen with a large chimney and bread oven. A rubble stone garden wall and a wrought-iron gate are present.

The house is listed as a gentleman’s residence of around 1800 that has retained its character.