Topstreet Farmhouse

This is a 16th-century timber-frame farmhouse, later enlarged and altered. It stands on Crabtree Lane in Harpenden. In the 18th century, the house was extended to the rear, creating a double-pile plan. Further alterations occurred in the late 19th century when the external elevations were stuccoed. The roof is covered with plain tiles.

The front elevation retains the original cross wing on the left, with exposed timber framing and decorative pargetting to the panels. A central, two-storey Victorian canted bay window is present, featuring leaded casements which may be a replication of earlier windows. Small, two-light mullioned casements are located to either side, on both the ground and first floors, with original oak frames to the upper floor windows. The corner posts have angular jowles. The entrance doorway is topped by a mid-18th-century bracketed hood with scrolled brackets. To the right of the door is a three-light, segmental-headed casement, which indicates that this section of the house originally served as the hall. A substantial ridge chimney stack is located to the right of the cross wing, exhibiting a 16th-century base, but with 17th-century multiple shafts and brick bands at the top, and Victorian rebuilding. Historical records suggest William Hunt owned the property in 1558, possibly the time of the cross wing and chimney stack’s construction, relating to a pre-existing hall range.