Darlingscott Farmhouse And Attached Coach House And Outbuildings

Darlingscott Farmhouse comprises an early 17th-century farmhouse with alterations from the 18th century. It is constructed of squared, coursed lias stone with ashlar window surrounds, quoins, coped gables, and an 18th-century string course. The slate roof has ashlar ridge and end stacks, one with two flues. The farmhouse is two storeys plus an attic, with a four-window front range arranged in an L-shape. The centre-left of the facade features an 18th-century two-panelled door, set slightly back from its original position, retaining its hinges. The doorway is framed by a chamfered surround with a mullioned overlight above. A datestone inscribed "WBM/1716" is set above the doorway with a hood mould. To the left of the door is a sundial. There is a range of three four-light mullioned windows with single transoms to the front; three windows have single casements. Four 19th-century, slate-hung dormers are present. A four-light mullioned window with a king mullion is located to the rear of the ground floor on the left. To the right is a three-light part-blocked mullioned window containing a quarry of heraldic stained glass. On the first floor are two three-light mullioned windows. A four-light ovolo-moulded mullioned window is on the right-hand facade of the ground floor, with a corresponding three-light ovolo-moulded mullioned window above. Windows on the right facade and rear have hood moulds with label stops. A 20th-century, single-storey lean-to is attached to the rear. To the left of the farmhouse is a 19th-century coach house with living accommodation above which has been converted into a flat. Further outbuildings, now residential units, are also located to the left. Inside, to the right of the lobby is a room with a chamfered spine beam featuring arrow-shaped stepped stops. A large open fireplace is present with a chamfered stone surround and a chamfered timber bressumer with stops. Other interior features include a blocked bread oven, a salt cupboard with an ogee head, and a room to the left of the passage with a chamfered spine beam and partition mortices. A corner contains an ashlar fireplace with ovolo-moulded curves and four-centred, moulded lintels. Some stone-flagged floors remain. A 18th-century winder staircase with bobbin balusters rises to the attics from the lobby. A further ashlar, ovolo-moulded and four-centred arched fireplace is on the first floor, along with further chamfered and stopped spine beams. The main range is divided from the wing by timber and plaster partitions on both floors, and a stick baluster staircase is in the wing. Throughout the house are 18th-century two-panelled doors, with those to the main rooms having moulded rails. A blocked inglenook remains in the kitchen, retaining its timber bressumer. The heraldic quarry in the main living room window likely displays the arms of Thomas Overbury, who was probably associated with the building’s construction.