Abbey Farmhouse

TM 09 SE OLD BUCKENHAM ABBEY ROAD

4/96 Abbey Farmhouse 16.7.58 - II*

Farmhouse. c.1550-60 and C18. Timber framed with wattle and daub infill in north range, reused stone and brick in east range and plain tiled roofs, pantiled to rear. L plan. North range, 2 storeys. 4-centred timber arch left of centre the lintel replaced 1973. Brick ground floor with renewed casement windows. Jettied first floor with close studding. Continuous range of timber mullioned windows interrupted by 5 groups of taller mullioned windows under eaves. Mullions moulded with a hollow chamfer between 2 rolls on each facet of broadly diamond section. Gabled roof. West gable of brick with octagonal corner turrets terminating in conical pinnacles above parapet line. Internal gable stack with 2 circular flues, one with spiral decoration the other chevron in rubbed brick, on bell-based plinth. Rear of north range similar but with later extensions to east. East range 2 storeys in 4 bays. 2 north bays of reused stone from St. Augustine's Priory of same date as north range, now with C20 door, 4-light cross casement left and 2 2-light mullioned windows to first floor all in C18 openings. Lower windows and door in range under segmental arches. Southern bays early C18 of colourwashed brick. 2 3-light ground floor casements and 2 2-light casements above. Gabled roof. South gable parapet on kneelers. 2 rebuit ridge stacks. Rear of east range dominated by two stepped external stacks with rebuilt shafts and gabled stair turret. Some reused stonework in north bays and 2 early C18 arched Gothick windows. Fenestration otherwise disparate. Roof hipped to north. Interior. North-west room with tongue stopped bridging beams and staircase. At first floor attic door C16 with strap work hinges. In second bay west C20 staircase leads to passage, timber framed to left, C20 additions to right. Upper hall once spanned whole range now partitioned to form bedroom. Hall of 4 irregular framing bays : arched braces to tie beams with 5 vertical struts rising to rafters. Inserted ceiling. Western tie beams and fireplace overmantel painted in diamond diaper. Fireplace bressummer triple roll moulded on outward face bearing carved shields at each end. 2 C16 doors with strap hinges flank fireplace and lead to privy (left) and coal store (right). Room lit by mullioned windows. East wing dining room in north bays retains fireplace with 4 centred bressummer inscribed A.E. and with shields at ends. Double stud stops with sunk roll in chamfer. 2 bridging beams with similar stops. Remainder of range C18 : chamfer stopped bridging beams; alcoves at each end with fluted Corinthian case and segmental arch flanked by similar shell hood cupboards. North wing roof entirely C20, east wing with tie beams, collars and 2 tiers butt purlins but many timbers renewed.

Listing NGR: TM0710492556