Peter Orlando Hutchinson

His major achievement, however, was a series of diaries and sketchbooks, containing observations on the geology, archaeology, botany and other items of interest relating to East Devon.

He lost the argument that not enough of the original building was being preserved, so he bought and re-erected its medieval chancel in his own garden.

[4] The result is highly idiosyncratic, including two carved self-portraits on either side of the fireplace in the chancel room, and another more whimsical work on the cantilevered staircase, the product of his youth spent in an architect’s office.

It’s listing by English Heritage states that “it is built of old stone in a highly picturesque, if somewhat heavy Gothic style, incorporating some original Medieval work from the church.

The narrow entrance front next to the old chancel has corner buttresses and a 3-centred arched doorway with drip mould.