Box End House

KEMPSTON RURAL BOX END ROAD TL 04 NW (east side)

11/198 Box End House 8.9.1977 - II*

A late C16 timber-framed house probably of H-plan in origin but with right hand cross wing removed and the gable end built up with stone rubble and the left hand wing extended forward for one bay in the C17 or early C18. In 1847 a new principal range was built parallel with the original, facing south. The original main wing is of two storeys with heavy close studding exposed to front and internally on former rear elevation. Old clay tile roof. 2 storey central gabled porch timber-framed and open on ground floor. Cross-mullionea timber casements with leaded lights. Large stone chimney stack inserted into left end with tall paired-shaft brick chimney stack, probably late C17. The surviving cross wing has 2 bay C17 or early C18 timber-framed addition to left hand with external stone chimney stack. The 1847 range is of 2 storeys coursed stone rubble with ashlar dressings, Jacobean detailing. Gabled tile roof with saddlestones and kneelers, crowned by chimneys with octagonal pairs of shafts. 3 bay south garden front with 4-light lozenge-leaded stone mullioned transomed windows to ground floor. 3-light similar windows, with 2- light to centre, on first floor breaking through corbelled eaves, with kneelered and finialed gables. Central shallow porch with moulded lintel and 3-light windows over. A weathered string is carved across the ground floor, stepped up over window and porch. In one of the first floor rooms is an early C17 wall-painting. It represents a bull-baiting scene, with a charging bull in the centre surrounded by dogs, horsemen and hunters. The painting is executed in monochrome distemper with the bull's and dogs' tongues coloured red.

Listing NGR: TL0106648556