Higher Thornhill Farmhouse

Higher Thornhill Farmhouse is a farmhouse that likely dates back to the 17th century but was remodeled in the early 18th century, with further additions and alterations made in the early to mid-19th century. The building is constructed of purple and red brick in random and English bonds, respectively, and features plain tiled roofs with ridge and end stacks.

Originally, it was probably designed as a hall and cross-wing type, with the cross-wing being rebuilt and extended in the early 18th century. The hall, which may have originally been timber framed, was re-faced in the 19th century, during which a lean-to addition was added to its rear. The farmhouse has two storeys in the hall section on the left and two storeys with an attic in the 18th-century cross-wing on the right. The hall likely consists of three structural bays and has a symmetrical arrangement of windows, with three 3-light mid-19th century casements. The ground floor windows of the hall and the ground and first floor windows of the cross-wing are set under cambered heads.

A mid-19th century gabled entrance porch is positioned in line with the ridge stack at the angle between the hall and the cross-wing. It is worth noting that the main entrance may have originally been on the opposite side, where the cross-wing projects further, and any former entrance is now obscured by the 19th-century lean-to. The cross-wing features floor bands that wrap around it, with the long side displaying the positions of eight narrow bricked-up windows, four on each floor.

Inside, the left-hand ground floor room of the hall has unchamfered spine beams and heavy joists. Additionally, timber framing was recently discovered in the back wall to the right, which was formerly an external wall, in 1984.