Ashes Farmhouse With Wall Surrounding Front Garden

This is a farmhouse, originally dating to 1683 as indicated by a datestone, though it may be earlier and was significantly enlarged at that time. It has been altered subsequently. The farmhouse is constructed of coursed sandstone rubble with quoins, and has slate roofs. The design is based on an 'H' shape, consisting of a single-bay central section (containing the entrance and staircase) flanked by two-bay crosswings. The farmhouse is two-and-a-half storeys in height, except for the right wing, which is two storeys and likely cut down. A continuous dripcourse runs around the left wing and the central section. A chamfered doorway is located to the left of the set-back central section, with a stepped dripcourse above it. The datestone above the doorway is recessed in a chamfered surround and lettered ‘C W:A 1683’. A recessed two-light mullion window is to the right of the doorway, and another similar window is at the first floor, acting as a stairwell window. The gable of the left wing features similar windows: two lights at ground floor, two lights on each floor above. Notably, the two-light windows are offset to the left, with a hoodmould above the first-floor window. A gable chimney is present. The return wall of the left wing has five-light windows at ground floor and three- and five-light windows above, the latter also with hoodmoulds. The gable of the right wing has windows with five lights at ground floor and three lights above, both with hoodmoulds. The right return wall has three-light windows at ground floor and two lights above, again with hoodmoulds, and a three-light casement at ground floor in the rear bay. A ridge chimney is also present. The rear elevation has some similar windows. The right wing is broader and lower than the rest of the building, with the roof of the central section ending in a gable overlooking the wing.

Inside, the central section features a full-height quarter-turn staircase with landings, square newels, a closed string, turned balusters, and a moulded handrail; however, the upper level of the staircase differs and may be from the 19th century. The left wing has a panelled stone fireplace with a fluted keystone at first floor, and lateral beams supported by stone corbels, ovolo-moulded at ground floor and chamfered above. The right wing contains chamfered lateral beams.

The listing also includes a wall extending from the outer corners of each wing, creating a rectangular enclosed front garden approximately 10 metres deep. The wall is constructed of random rubble, is about 1 metre high, and has a flat coping. There are two round-topped gateposts in line with the main entrance to the house.