The Rectory in Townparks

Detached three-bay two-storey former rectory, built c.1890, now in use as a house. Extension to east. Hipped tiled roof with rendered chimneystacks. Timber brackets to eaves. Ruled-and-lined rendered walls with projecting plinth and continuous sill courses to both upper and lower storeys. Stuccoed architrave to window surrounds. Segmental-headed windows to lower storey of south-east elevation. Canted-bay window to north-west façade and Diocletian window to south-east façade with round-headed stained glass window below. Timber sash windows throughout. Limestone steps lead to recessed porch having pedimented surround, polychromatic tiles to floor with replacement timber panelled door with stained glass overlight and sidelights in segmental-headed opening.

This former rectory, set back from the road in its own grounds, is an impressive structure. Although it appears to have a simple design from the street-front, on closer inspection it is obvious that the house is not only of architectural merit but also artistic significance. The patterned tiles to the recessed entrance and the stained-glass windows are delicate details that enrich this robust design.