Tiptofts

Tiptofts is a remarkable 13th to 14th century timber-framed building that has undergone considerable alterations over the years. While it has few external features of significant interest, much of the original hall remains intact and showcases some fine architectural details. The house is entirely surrounded by a water-filled moat.

Originally, Tiptofts was designed as an aisled hall with small wings projecting to the west, giving it a half H shape. In the 16th century, the hall was divided, and a floor along with a large chimney stack was inserted. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the east front was completely altered, and the east aisle of the hall was modified with gabled wings extending eastward. The solar wing was also extended, and a new wing was added from the center, resulting in a front with three gabled wings of varying sizes.

Further changes occurred in the 19th century, including additions to the rear. Around 1910, all fronts except the rear were faced in brick, with some tile hanging in the gable of the south wing, which had its upper storey underbuilt. The hall measures 37 by 19 feet with a 4½-foot aisle and consists of three unequal bays, with the narrow screens bay located at the south end. In the early 19th century, the ceiling of the southern half was removed, exposing the great timbers, and the original doorway from the screens to the buttery wing was uncovered.

The timbers are notable, featuring quatrefoil columns with chamfered bases and moulded capitals supporting the south bay. Although the columns in the north bay are now hidden within the walls, the hammerbeams with curved braces and cusped spandrels remain visible, some even showing signs of charring. The king post roof is also exposed, along with the entire great 16th-century chimney stack. The buttery wing retains some old features but is largely unused, while the remainder of the building is primarily from the 19th century and later.