Description

ASHCOMBE ASHCOMBE
SX 97 NW

8/11 The Old Rectory

30.6.61
II

Former rectory. 1810 (information from owner). Whitewashed and stuccoed, probably
stone; slate roof (originally thatched) with deep eaves, hipped at ends ; brick end
stack. Cottage Ornee.
Plan: overall L plan : double depth rectangular main block, 2 rooms wide, with
principal rooms to the front, one on either side of a central entrance passage with
an oval stair hall to the rear between smaller rooms. A rear left service wing gives
an L plan, with a small flat-roofed C20 addition in the angle between the service
wing and main block. The thatch was replaced between 1850 and 1879 (Whites' Devon).
Exterior: 2 storeys. Symmetrical 3-bay front with exceptionally pretty 9-bay timber
trellis verandah extending round the returns of the main block, the verandah with a
central gable with a laurel wreath, timber posts encased in trellis work, a plastered
ceiling and cobbled floor. Half-glazed central front door with Gothick details
including an iron traceried fanlight incorporating stained glass (some medieval), and
Gothick panelling to the doorcase. 2-leaf French windows with Tudor arches to left
and right, the upper panes with segmental arched glazing bars ; 16-pane sashes to
left and right on the first floor, 12-pane sash to the centre. The verandah
continues for 3 bays on the left return, 5-bays on the right return which
incorporates a 2-leaf arched timber traceried door, probably removed from the church.
The left and right returns have small casement windows to the ground floor, the upper
panes with segmental arched glazing bars, 2 of the windows are 1970s copies of
original windows. Original fenestration of small-pane sashes and casements
elsewhere.
Interior: Very elegant, on a small scale. The entrance passage and stair hall are
especially fine. A doorway to the stair hall has glazed side panels and a glazed
fanlight with delicate ornamental glazing bars. The stair hall is a tour de force,
very small with a cantilevered open well stair with stick balusters and a wreathed
handrail ; curved panelled door at the rear leads into the service wing. The rest of
the interior is also very complete with joinery, including shutters, and marble
chimney-pieces.
The Rectory was described as being "under alteration" in 1821. it has some
similarities of design to the larger and more ambitious rectory at Kingsteignton (now
known as the Chantry and Elmfield, (q.v.) which has retained its thatch and was
described as "nearly built" in 1821 and may be by the same architect.
An exceptionally attractive and complete house.

Listing NGR: SX9124779624

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26618622

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings: The Law and Practice of Historic Buildings, Ancient Monuments and Conservation Areas
• 
  The Listed Buildings and Other Principal Structures at the Royal Gunpowder Mills Waltham Abbey
• 
  Oxfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  Historic Environment Law: Planning, Listed Buildings, Monuments, Conservation Areas and Objects by Harwood, Richard (2012) Paperback