Portwell House is "V" shaped in its construction with two pitched roofs that meet at the Market Place frontage. The valley between the two roofs is the cause of water ingress over the years. The "A" frame supporting the roof had actually rotted through when Nick Elwell & Mark Blatch acquired the building in 2009. When it was constructed, the property appears to have been built as three separate buildings now linked to provide a single premises. The top/attic floor of Portwell Cottage (one part of the building) has a fire place within it: but no means of access?

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The Crown Hotel used to be connected to Portwell House. It was separated circa 1946 when it was turned into a family home by a military man with a plethora of daughters. It subsequently became a guest house and hotel with various owners; finally closing in 1996.

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During recent restoration of the building by Nick Elwell & Mark Blatch the old fire places were opened and investigated. An intriguing internal well adjacent to one of the fire places was also discovered. It is thought that the well collected rainwater from the roof - although it is not far from the well in the Crown Courtyard. The Elm floor boards were all of differing thickness - and yet were craftily laid to provide a flat (if slightly sloping!) surface. The central chimney stack and the fire place therein was closed at some point and three new chimneys created.

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Much of Faringdon was destroyed by Cromwell's forces whose artillery was positioned on Folly Hill. Portwell House did not escape and was severely damaged. It appears that major works were undertaken during the 1700s (several clay pipes and a formidable looking Chaff cutter were found in the eves). Repairs and alterations since then until now have been largely superficial.

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Today, the building is occupied on the ground floor by the Portwell Angel. The Portwell House Cellar is known for its cask conditioned ale. Bordengate Insurance and FocusON have taken the 1st floor and the roof space will be converted into an apartment.

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On 1 February 2004, Faringdon was granted Fairtrade Town status, becoming the first Fairtrade Town in the South East of England. In 1990, the town was twinned with Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe in France. The Portwell Angel is pleased to support this initiative as well and also supports local businesses wherever possible.

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The Church of England Parish hurch of All Saints which may also date from the 12th century, is a stones throw from the Portwell Angel. The clerestorey and possibly the west end of the nave survive from this period. A Norman doorway survives, although not in its original position, in the baptistery. The chancel and north transept are 13th century and the west chapel is 14th century. The north chapel is a late mediaeval Perpendicular Gothic addition with 15th century windows.