Model Farmhouse

Farmhouse. Dating from the early 17th century with 19th-century additions and later alterations and repairs. The farmhouse is constructed of painted local red brick, timber-framed with plaster and brick infill, with 20th-century brick repairs. The roof is covered with plain tiles and is hipped to the returns. It is two storeys with attics and a cellar, arranged in an L-shape. A large gable-end stack is located to the south-west, featuring a rebuilt chimney with a brick band returned to the main elevation. The north-west elevation has four bays: one brick bay to the left and three timber-framed bays with substantial posts and straight braces to the middle rail. There is a 20th-century brick corbel to the rear elevation, similar to the original. The main entrance, approached by stone steps, is to the left of centre, featuring a six-panelled door. A tripartite hung sash window is to the left, and a three-light casement window to the right; one first-floor three-light casement window, and an opening to the cellar with a segmental arched brick head. The interior features an original closed string staircase with symmetrically turned balusters and octagonal newel posts, terminating at the attic floor with a ball finial. There are moulded ceiling beams with ovolo-mouldings. Original 17th-century oak panelling has been refitted in a first-floor room and over the mantel to the chimney piece in the south-west room, featuring stopped ovolo-moulded jambs and a four-centred arched head. The original butt purlin roof has been rebuilt to the south-east; originally the purlins were carried in front of the principal rafters and wind-braced in each bay. 19th-century details include raised-and-fielded-panelled doors. The farmhouse was possibly built by Thomas Parratt who purchased the property in 1593.