Time seems to have stopped at Coates. The tiny church is little altered since the 13th century, sitting on a hillside a few hundred yards from a 17th century stone manor house and barns, practically the only buildings to be seen.
Another unusual feature is the porch, which is to the north, probably for the convenience of the residents of the manor house.
The only significant damage was caused by a restoration in 1906 when the belfry was enlarged (though a tall spirelet was later removed and replaced by a cap closer to the shape of the original). The architect also repointed the walls with harsh cement that clashes horribly with the earlier work.