Church Farmhouse

Church Farmhouse, dating to around 1650, was altered in 1722 and during the late 19th century. It is a red brick and pantile building with an 'H' shaped plan, consisting of two storeys with attics in the north wing. The main, west-facing entrance features a centrally located, two-storey porch, flanked by cross wings. The porch has a double splayed arch with a moulded base and imposts, flanked by rusticated pilasters. An inserted string course sits above the arch. A C19 sash window with glazing bars is situated above the porch, set beneath a brick pediment. Moulded brick kneelers are present on the parapet gable, which has a blocked oculus. Brick dentil eaves run along the roofline. The central bay was rebuilt in the 19th century, raising it above the original window sill level. A ground floor window to the left of the porch is set in a splayed opening with a flat head and brick hood mould. Three C19 windows are located above. The flanking wings have windows with C17 pediments and C19 four-light mullion and transom windows on the ground and first floors, with two-light windows at attic level. A ground floor window in the north wing is blocked. The southern cross wing may be a later C17 addition. A string course runs at eaves level. The north wing’s north wall features an external stepped stack and a C19 porch with a curved gable, while the south wing was rebuilt in the late 19th century, with external stacks flanking a central five-light window topped with a pediment. The east facade has a rebuilt stepped stack above the eaves. C19 two-light mullion and transom windows with splayed reveals and hood moulds are present, alongside a blocked door to the right of the stack, covered by a C19 pediment. An inserted C19 part-glazed door with a fanlight and stone hood resting on brick corbels provides access. A platband runs at attic floor level on the south cross wing. A rebuilt stepped gable with brick kneelers and a date stone inscribed "S.Y.I.A." 1722 (referencing Jacob Astley of Melton Constable Hall) is also present. Garage doors have been inserted in the north cross wing beneath a C17 pediment. The interior is mainly from the 19th century, and features ovolo moulded, chamfered spine and cross beams, with ogee and bar stops. There are some early C18 doors and a C17 butt purlin roof with wind braces at the north end. A brick plinth and brick dentil eaves are features of all elevations.