Crushes Farmhouse

Crushes Farmhouse is a house with origins in the 16th century, subsequently altered in the 17th, 19th, and 20th centuries. It is timber-framed and brick, with rendered walls and a peg-tiled roof. The original layout comprised a principal range and a cross-wing at the north end, with a later addition to the west increasing the plan to a larger square form.

The exterior of the east front has two single windows and one window bay, with a rebuilt, cross-sectioned chimney stack from the 17th century. The central doorway, window above, and the south-end windows are set within a 19th-century brick wall, replacing earlier timber framing. Most windows are 20th-century replacements, with triple casements at the north and south ends, and metal-framed windows with leaded panes elsewhere. A 20th-century glazed door with 3x5 panes replaces the original. The roof is hipped, including the facade gable of the cross-wing. A single jetty bracket survives at the north end, and a 19th-century stack is visible on the north side of the cross-wing. The rear, west elevation, also has a hipped roof and a three-window range with 20th-century metal casements with leaded panes. A deep central stair window of four lights, and similar windows on the first floor, are notable features. A 19th-century stack rises from the roof apex towards the south end. On the south elevation, windows are similar to those on the west elevation, with a flat-roofed, rectangular bay window of six lights and side lights at the ground floor. The east facade of brick wall projects slightly at the east end. The north end has a hipped roof with two stacks and irregular fenestration. A 20th-century surgery addition is not included in the listing.

The interior was largely rebuilt in the 20th century on the ground floor. A large, rebuilt fireplace is situated in the 17th-century position, backing onto the site of the former cross passage. A rising brace to the original tie-beam remains, along with a raking stud, indicating the former presence of a timber hood. The floor and ceiling joists of the divided hall have step-stopped chamfers, dating the division to before 1560. The first floor of the hall was raised in post-medieval times, with original top wall plates and step-stopped chamfers remaining, although the roof and tie-beam are missing. The cross-wing, with two bays, retains original features on the first floor, including close studding with exterior tension bracing, shutter grooves, and mortices for mullions and sills. A cambered tie-beam and arched bracing from storey posts are present. A rough rectangular recess cut into the upper face of the tie-beam is believed to have been used as a money box.