Bruton Farmhouse

Bruton Farmhouse

This is a timber-framed farmhouse dating from around the 15th or 16th century, possibly earlier, and extended in the late 17th century. The structure consists of plastered wattle panels, partly weatherboarded and partly with a high stone rubble plinth. The roof is covered with stone tiles and gabled ends, with portions re-clad in Welsh slates. The building features a large stone rubble axial stack with a brick shaft and brick gable end stack.

The plan is L-shaped overall. The long main east range was originally at least partially open to the roof and heated by an open hearth fire. This section was later floored and an axial stack was inserted. A late 17th-century wing with a gable end stack and outshut at the back completes the composition.

The exterior presents one storey and attic with a long asymmetrical east front, which includes an outbuilding outshut on the left, two small casements on the ground floor to the right, and a small window under the eaves above. The gable ends feature 2 and 3-light casements and doorways. At the rear (west), the main roof extends down over an outshut. On the right stands a gable-ended rear wing with a gabled dormer and a 3-light casement on its outer (south) side.

The interior contains two cruck trusses that meet at a mitred apex. Two tiers of large side purlins are present, with a straight windbrace running from purlin to purlin, not joined to a principal. The roof timbers in at least this part of the building are smoke-blackened, indicating its age and original heating arrangements.