Foyer

Okay, so you’ve given the password, the front door has opened, and you’re in. Relax - the biggest decision you’re going to have to make is whether you want tea or coffee on your tea tray, and what time you think breakfast should be served.

But be warned, those who have procrastinated (or don’t sign the visitors’ book), have been known to languish in the cellars below this hallway and the living room.

Through a large trapdoor just behind the oval table, and down to a fairly large cavity, complete with barred window, sandstone shelves on either side of the chimney breast and supposedly manacles set into the wall down at ankle level, this was at times used to keep convicts confined, although I can’t believe that this was their permanent subterranean abode, but more a punishment.

Also, given that the arm of the law would have been quite a stretch away, the cellars were also used as a pseudo watch house for neighbourhood miscreants. At present this area has been partially filled in with dirt, but it is still possible to go down with a torch and have a look, and one of our plans for the future includes a ‘cellar party’ - BYO bucket and spade!

At the moment, our wine is kept in the cupboard to the left of the dining room door, under the stairs, but one day … please, can I be sent to the cellar as punishment??