Numbers 1-4 Simm's Farmhouse

House, divided into four dwellings. Dating from the 16th century or earlier, it has been altered in the 20th century. The house is timber-framed, with plaster and weatherboard cladding, and a roof of handmade red clay tiles. The main range consists of three bays aligned northeast-southwest, with a central axial stack at the northeast end, and a late 16th century three-bay crosswing extending northwest. A single-storey lean-to extension is situated in the west angle. At the southwest corner, the house connects with a smaller house extending southeast, forming a ‘Unit System’ pair (No. 1, Sim’s Cottage). A 19th- and 20th-century extension is located in the west angle, creating a Z-shaped plan. There is an external stack at the southwest end, and a 20th-century single-storey lean-to extension beyond. The main range is two storeys high, while the crosswing is two storeys with attics. The northeast elevation, facing Braintree Road, has a 20th-century casement window on the ground floor, and on the first floor, a late 17th century ‘Ipswich’ window with two wrought iron casements and rectangular leading. There is a 20th-century door. A panel of late 17th century pargeting, in high relief depicting conventional foliage and scrolls is present, and has been much restored in the 20th century. On the northwest side of the crosswing, a projecting gable has a bressumer carved with a spiral leaf design, carved pendants, and hanging brackets, now infilled with weatherboarding. Scattered 20th-century doors and windows are seen on this elevation. The southeast gable also projects, with a weathered carved bressumer, exposed close studding, a high collar, and clasped purlins. The remainder of this elevation is weatherboarded. Six grouped round shafts, four of which are fluted, have been rebuilt at the top. Sprockets are visible below the eaves.