Sowcar Farmhouse

Farmhouse: Built in the early 17th century, with later 17th-century additions to the left and right sides. Some 20th-century alterations have also been made. The main structure is built of coursed squared buff sandstone rubble, with a Kerridge stone-slate roof, a stone ridge, and two brick chimneys. Originally rectangular, the additions now create a T-shaped plan. The front of the house is two stories high and three bays wide. The bay on the left has a five-board door, set under a rough stone lintel and approached by four steps. To the right of the door is a tall, two-light stone mullion window with lattice-leaded glass above, and a square opening leading to the cellar. The central bay, under the gable, displays exposed roof timbers and a four-light stone mullion window with a projecting rubble bond at the first floor. Above this is a similar three-light window under a rubble hood mould. The right end bay features a replaced three-light stone mullion window. The right gable has a five-light chamfered stone mullion window under a rubble hood mould with original rectangular lead glazing. A matching three-light window sits above, also with rubble stone mullions. A wing to the rear incorporates several two-light windows and a door behind a lean-to porch under a rough stone lintel. Inside, a room in the left end bay contains chamfered ceiling beams and a fire-beam. It formerly held a large brick fireplace and a bread oven. This room leads to another containing a dogleg staircase from the early 17th century, featuring shaped flat balusters, square newels, and an octagonal central post. There are two simple two-panelled doors, one leading to a barrel-vaulted cellar. The main rooms have an inglenook fireplace with a chamfered fire beam and ceiling beams, all with flat stops. 18th-century cupboards with panelled doors are located on either side of a 20th-century fireplace. A fitted 17th-century dresser with nine drawers is positioned under the window. A room at the rear was originally three rooms. It also has a dogleg staircase which becomes spiral to the loft. The walls are timber-framed with plastered infill. The parlour beyond the main room has a good two-panelled door with raised fields, an ovolo-moulded ceiling beam, and 18th-century panelling to the window seat and surround. Upstairs includes several simple two-panelled doors and two cupboards in the chimney breast. A tie-beam and collar truss is visible.

This farmhouse, dating back to the early 17th century and extended in the 17th, retains nearly all of its exterior fabric. It also contains a remarkable amount of original fitted woodwork for a building of this status.