1 Cathedral Close/Mol’s House

Known locally as Mol’s Coffee House, the original stone building was granted to the Cathedral’s chantry priests to use as a residence, known as the Annuellars’ College in 1410. It fell into private ownership following disbandment during the Reformation of the 1530s. In 1596 the building was completely remodelled for use as the city’s Custom House. In 1726 it opened as possibly the first coffee house in the UK, called Mol’s after its first proprietor Mary Wildy, and was then run exclusively by women until it closed in 1829.

This enchanting 16th-century timber-framed townhouse, is nestled between a quaint church on one side and an elegant Tudor building on the other. With three impressive storeys, its distinctive white-painted façade is beautifully adorned with two striking oriel windows apiece on its first and second floors. A full-width timber balcony graces the third floor adding to the home’s charming character, whilst offering a panoramic outlook across the serene expanse of Cathedral Green showcasing the full grandeur of the Cathedral and the picturesque uplands of the Exe Valley beyond.

Restoration and Development

Mol’s House has served various purposes from an ecclesiastical college to a thriving commercial establishment. Following sympathetic restoration and development, the ground floor and basement will continue as a shop known as 1 Cathedral Close. The upper three floors have been beautifully refurbished to an exceptionally high standard, creating a stunning two/three-bedroom townhouse now registered as Mol’s House. This remarkable transformation seamlessly blends the building’s captivating history and original features with a sensitively modernised interior, resulting in a truly extraordinary home.

The Oak Room

The grand reception room makes a stunning entrance on the first floor. Complete with two wide window seats painted a calming green, elegant oak-panelled walls adorned with the intricate coats of arms of Devon nobility, and a restored stately feature fireplace. The Oak Room is a statement room with fabulous views of the Cathedral and steeped in history.

Sky Parlour

An incredible top floor combined living room and kitchen area with a soaring vaulted ceiling and beautifully exposed roof timbers. This light and airy room has windows on all four sides and access to a full-width timber balcony that offers a sweeping, uninterrupted view. A characterful fireplace houses the original range as a decorative piece of history. Master craftsmen transformed this blank canvas into a beautiful living space with modernisation including bespoke timber kitchen units and sympathetic cast iron radiators.

Outside

Extensive works transformed a run down lean-to into a delightful, high-walled courtyard garden at the rear of the property. A new entrance was created through separation of the basement and ground floor with the first, second and third floors, giving Mol’s House access via a shared passageway to a private entrance. A bespoke staircase, crafted from green oak and screened for privacy, leads up to the front door. A tranquil oasis, thoughtfully landscaped with a York stone paved path, seating area and bordered raised beds. The frontage to 1 Cathedral Close, including the commercial entrance, has been repainted and the fabulous finial replaced as pride of place atop of the property.

Throughout its rich history, this building has served various purposes, from an ecclesiastical college to a thriving commercial establishment. A remarkable transformation has seamlessly blended the building’s captivating history and original features with sensitively modernised interior.

Project Team

• Akkeron Construction Services
• Historic England
• KTA Architects
• Avalon Planning & Heritage
• X Consulting Engineers
• Exeter City Council
• Knight Frank
• Foot Anstey LLP