Lower Down Farmhouse

SO 38 SW 9/113

LYDBURY NORTH C.P. LOWER DOWN Lower Down Farmhouse

GV II

Farmhouse. Probably C16 with extensive later alterations and additions. Limestone rubble with a little surviving exposed timber frame; slate roofs. Aligned east-west, aspect south. Apparently traditional plan, with 'hall' and lower end under one roof, through-passage approached by red brick lean-to outshut, side stack to north; 'solar' cross-wing to west doubled in depth and extended probably late C18. 2 storeys in 2 parts to farmyard. Left-hand part: catslide outshut to left of centre, hall stack projects to right of centre, brick shaft; irregular fenestration, 2 on first floor and one on ground floor; irregular straight-joint between 2 parts. Right-hand part: 2 storeys and cellar. Parallel ridge roof with hips to left; fenestration mid C19 3-light casements, 2 on each floor, evidence of blocked opening to left of centre; central 6 flush-panelled door with 3-light overlight and simple bracketed hood. South front: 3 windows to west wing, mid C19 casements with 8-pane sashes to left, central doorway; gable-end rebuilt in squared and coursed rubble and with coped parapet, flat across valley; traces of close studding on first floor south-east corner; 'hall' range of 3 windows; ledged through-passage door to right-hand end. Interior: much altered but traditional plan can be reconstructed; wide newel stair north-east of 'solar' through-passage. The 'solar' through-passage is probably c.1800.and has 2 service rooms.

Listing NGR: SO3373584711