Toppesfield Hall

Toppesfield Hall is a house dating from the late 16th century, with alterations made in the 18th and early 20th centuries. It is timber framed and plastered, with a roof covered in handmade red clay tiles. The building consists of four bays aligned northeast-southwest, with an 18th-century parallel range to the northwest. There is a rear chimney stack near the middle of the original range, which is now enclosed, along with internal chimney stacks at both ends of both ranges, dating from the 18th century. An 18th-century entrance extension to the southeast features two hipped roofs, creating a T-plan. To the northwest, there is a two-storey lean-to extension from the 18th century, along with a single-storey service range beyond it. An early 20th-century conservatory is located to the northeast. The building stands two storeys tall, but much of the exterior has been significantly altered in the early 20th century, with all doors and windows from this period. Inside, there are ovolo-moulded beams and panelling from around 1600, along with some reproduction elements. An early 17th-century fireplace, originally from Olivers Farmhouse nearby, has been installed; it features a moulded shelf supported by coupled Ionic pilasters and topped with an overmantel of three bays, which includes detached shafts carrying foliated consoles and an entablature. The bays behind the shafts are panelled, with the middle panel displaying arabesque arcading. An 18th-century wrought-iron crane has been added in front, taken from another room.