Priest House

Priest House is a Grade ll listed building within the church grounds. It is a tiny Tudor cottage with many original features and a fascinating history. It is available for hire Mon - Thurs tea-time slots (4.30 - 6.30) which would be ideal for children's parties, as would weekend afternoons. It is also available on Thursday mornings for a group to meet regularly. Hire fee from 2018 is £8 per hour on Weekdays and £9 per hour at weekends; £12 for children’s parties, £100 deposit required (returnable after the event). Please see the pdf at the bottom of the page for a list of regular bookings.

Address: Church Lane, Doddinghurst, CM15 ONJ
Website: www.priest-house-doddinghurst.co.uk
Booking Secretary: Sue Child 822173 or t.child1@btinternet.com

Priest House Today

Priest House is owned by the Diocese of Chelmsford and managed by All Saints’ PCC. The future of this ancient building was secured in 2010 when it was re-opened after a comprehensive restoration and refurbishment. The sole plate (the main supporting beam at ground level) which had rotted was replaced and the interior remodelled and overhauled. The old bathroom, which was upstairs, was removed, the kitchen extended and refitted to the highest standard and a new toilet, with disabled access, was installed. New wooden floors were laid. All the necessary re-wiring, repainting, insulation and drain work was carried out.

It is now a community centre and many groups hire it for a small fee for their activities, for example, a quilters’ circle, a jewellery workshop, a card club, two art groups and the Rainbows. Individuals can hire it for parties and lunches. All proceeds from the rent are put in a ring-fenced fund which can only be used to pay for running costs, repairs and improvements. All Saints’ PCC run lunches, cream teas, pancake days and quizzes there to raise funds for the church. It is a much-used and much-loved village facility.

Click Here to read about the history and construction of Priest House