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Worcestershire boasts some of the best large timber framed houses in England. Presently two superb examples of wood construction in domestic architecture are for sale.

The first of these is Mere Hall at Hanbury near Droitwich which, with its estates, has until recently been owned and occupied by the Bearcroft family for over 600 years. The house was built c.1560 and is Grade I listed. It is truly a delight to perceive with its close studding and herringbone struts, its larger gabled wings and five smaller gables across the centre range above a full width mullioned window. The whole is surmounted by a lantern cupola which houses the bell to a magnificent striking clock which is framed by the centre gable. The gardens and parkland surrounding the house make a perfect setting for this masterpiece.

The selling agent is Jackson-Stops and Staff of Chipping Campden.

The second house, Salwarpe Court, is less decorative to the eye but somewhat older than Mere Hall, having been built in early Tudor times by Sir John Talbot. Very little alteration has taken place over the years, so that it still looks very much as it did in Talbot's time. The family were in residence until 1780.

The timber framing is all close studded with herringbone brick infilling of a later date except for the solar side where the bay has an upper overhang with carved bargeboard decoration, a fine feature.

The selling agent is Knight Frank of Sidbury.

Another interesting Tudor timber framed house of note is Huddington Court, considered by many, to be the most picturesque house in Worcestershire. This was the home of the Wintour family of Gunpowder Plot fame. The house was originally somewhat larger than it is today. It has one highly ornate chimney and the windows project slightly from the wall faces. The timbers are close studded. Its most precious feature is an early 14th century stone frieze of four quatrefoils with suspended shields which presumably came from an earlier house on the site.

The old moat still exists and there are two 17th century timber framed dovecotes in the grounds.