TUCKED away down a cobbled side street along Topsham's main road lies an intriguing cottage-styled house with a colourful past.

Long before Glove House in Chapel Place, off Fore Street, became the home of retired teacher Traute Cookson, it served a variety of purposes from being the town cinema to a chapel.

Its exciting history dates back to the early 1700s when it was originally built, although some parts of the building date back to 1680.

Records show that in the 1800s it was a Wesleyan Reform Chapel and then in the early 1900s it became The Cosy Cinema.

In those days it would have shown silent movies with sound effects provided by local resident Mrs Drew who used to play the drums, together with another lady who played the piano.

It then became a Roman Catholic Church until 1936, and from 1939 to 1945 was used as a store and school for evacuees.

From 1954 it became William Vaughan's Glove Factory. Since the 1990s it has been used as a home, and the present three-bedroom detached house retains many original features and an intriguing ambiance. Current owner Traute became part of its history in 2001 when she and her late husband moved to Topsham from Essex to live closer to their daughter.

At first they were only planning to find somewhere to rent in the town, but as soon as they set eyes on Glove House they found themselves the proud owners of a unique home.

Traute, who previously taught art and German, recalled: "It was February, it was raining and I had the flu. My husband called to say he had found an empty house for sale that I had to come down and see straight away.

"When I walked into the house I was struck by the big reception hall which also serves as a sitting room. Then I opened the door to the open plan drawing and dining room and was stunned. I have never looked back since!"

Reminders of the building's varied past are evident throughout the house. The open plan drawing room is a high-vaulted room with exposed timber ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed original brickwork.

Part of the original brickwork and timber framing of the building has also been left exposed along the first floor landing.

In the kitchen, a blocked up walkway is still evident with a small exposed Dutch brick arch which would have led to an outbuilding in its glove factory days. Now it leads to a small courtyard. Its cinema days are remembered in the master bedroom with a tier of three steps at the far end revealing a section of the staggered seating area where cinema-goers would have sat. Another reminder is the balcony area overlooking the sitting room and decorative panelling in the reception hall.

Now looking for another home in Topsham, Traute reflected on the happy years she has spent at Glove House. "I have been so happy here and I will be sad to move as it is so convenient living here," she admitted.

"I'm now looking to downsize.

"It's a feel-good house. Even if you've had a horrible day, when you come into the house it gives you a warm, friendly feeling."

Glove House is being sold for £485,000 through Wilkinson Grant and Co. For details call 01392 875000 or visit www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk