Robeston House

Robeston House is a building with a complex history, largely dating to the Regency period (early 19th century) with older elements incorporated. The main block faces east towards the gardens, displaying a formal design, while a longer wing extends to the west. The house’s overall plan is described as "straggling," reflecting the combination of these different phases of construction. The exterior is generally rendered, with low-pitch hipped roofs and dormer windows at the rear and side.

The front of the Regency block was originally rendered and rusticated, though by 1996 only a band near the eaves and around the bay window retained the render. The left side elevation is slate-hung, while the right side is rendered. The front elevation features two storeys and three windows, with double brackets at the eaves. The windows are primarily twelve-pane, with hornless sashes in recessed frames; one is a modern replacement. A prominent, projecting bay window, added in the mid-19th century, is located on the right, and a mid-19th century French window (also with a hornless sash) sits centrally, designed to allow the sashes to be pushed back and fully opened. A porch formerly stood in front of this French window.

The rear wing, facing the access drive, is symmetrically arranged, with a projecting, hipped bay designed to balance the front of the house. This part of the wing has four windows, mainly hornless sashes; two are tall, pointed windows near the staircases. A mid-19th century chimney is present, and the roof is slate. A further block extends to the west, parallel to the main block, creating a general "H" shape to the house. This western block has a two-window elevation.

Around the early 19th century, a two-storey block was added to the north, now used as a cottage. This addition is unrendered and features replacement windows. Minor, single-storey extensions from the 20th century are located north of the main front block. A patent-glazing porch on the south side is believed to be an early contract from the company of Messrs Crittalls.

The interior of the Regency front block is well-preserved, with main rooms facing the garden and access provided from the rear. The Drawing room has unusual double doors with a folding central style. The rear of the Regency section reveals an unusual staircase, built on the site of a remnant from the earlier house. This staircase is timber, with oak treads and risers and a cantilevered construction – without a string to support the outer edge, seemingly designed like stone stairs. The handrail is supported by three square balusters per tread, carved in short sections with the grain running across the rail and coiling at a curtail step. The staircase has two flights: the lower flight is enclosed on one side, providing full support, while the upper flight is open. Supporting posts have been added later as a safety measure.