Lea Farmhouse

Lea Farmhouse is probably of late 14th or 15th century origin, with significant remodelling in the early 17th century and again in the mid-19th century. It is constructed of reddish-brown brick and uncoursed limestone rubble, with roughcast to the rear, likely concealing a timber frame. The roof is covered in plain tiles and slate. The western cross-wing is likely the earliest part and may be of cruck construction. A long hall range was added in the early 17th century, and a twin-gabled addition to the rear was constructed in the mid-19th century, with a low-pitched roof covering the remainder of the building.

The farmhouse is two storeys high, featuring a dentilled eaves cornice, a cellar beneath the cross-wing, and irregular fenestration. Late 19th century, three-light casement windows are present on each floor to the left and to a central, mid-19th century gabled projection, with a small casement to the right above a late 19th century lean-to with a blocked doorway. Further casements are found on each floor of the cross-wing. A four-panel door with a bracketed hood is located to the right of the cross-wing, with a mid-20th century half-glazed door immediately to the left of the centre gable. A ridge stack sits to the right of the hall range and an end stack to the left, with an integral lateral stack to the cross-wing.

The interior was not inspected, but a cruck truss is reportedly preserved within the cross-wing cellar. During repairs in the early 20th century, a “curved tree” was reportedly found within the house.