Building record SPX 023 - Spexhall House

17th century house, heavily modified in the 19th century. There has probably been a Rectory on the site of Spexhall House since the late medieval period. The church was originally a cell of Rumburgh Priory and appears to have remained in its control until the dissolution of the monasteries. The present building was originally constructed in the 17th century according to the statutory list. Of the original building very little remains, although the basic linear three-cell plan form of the principal range probably dates from this period. Some poor quality timber studding is however visible within the rear outshot and the north gable of the attic. Given the lack of physical evidence of a 17th century timber-framed structure, it is perhaps a possibility that the present house is in fact a conservatively designed and constructed early 18th century building. Many of the house's pintle-hinged casement windows are identified as being of early 18th century date, and a number still retain early glass within their leaded light. The survival of so many early windows is remarkable.

Most of the external walling is on brick with a rendered section to the northern gable where timber fraing is exposed within the attic. The the northern end of the house's entrance façade the lower section is in English bond whilst the upper par is a monk bond, possibly suggesting two differing phases of construction. It is perhaps likely however that the builk of the external brickwork dates from the c1821-22 modelling of the house by Richard Crutwell. The relatively steep gradient of the roof suggests that Spexhall House was probably thatched until the early 19th century. The original staircase was probably in the approxiamte llocation of the presnt service stair and of roughly the same proportions, althoug it may have ben orientated slightly differently. Considerable alterations were made to the first floor in 1878by Dicesan architect Richard Makilwaine Phipson. The farm buildings were also demolished and a new stable erected.