The Downs Farmhouse

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 01/10/2012

TL 9836 24/833 5377

THE DOWNS Stoke-by-Nayland The Downs Farmhouse

GV II*

Former farmhouse. Early C16, with later extensions. Timber-framed and rendered; rear extensions partly faced in C19 red brick; plaintiled roofs. 2 storeys; 3-cell plan, with the original chimney-stack set externally on the rear wall of the hall, and a cross entry. The stack has been rebuilt in plain red brick. 4 window range: on the upper floor, 2-light casement windows with square-leaded panes, pintle hinges and small supporting brackets below the sills; on the ground floor, 2 small-paned sash windows in cased frames and one cross window with square leading. Edwardian 4-panelled entrance door, still in the cross-entry position, with a corresponding door on the rear wall: sunk panels, the top 2 glazed, flat pediment with shaped mock-Jacobean brackets. Frame in 4 bays, the main feature of the interior being the outstandingly fine carved and moulded ceiling to the central 2-bay ground-floor hall, some parts of which have been recently exposed. The main cross-beams have multiple roll-mouldings combined with 2 rows of running-leaf design which terminate in leaf-stops. At the intersection of these main beams is a large carving of a standing angel with outstretched wings, surrounded by an ornate canopy: he wears flowing robes, and carries a blank shield. The joists are of triangular section and also have multiple roll-mouldings which terminate in leaf-stops with a central motif, varying from one joist to another: flowers, fruit, figures and miniature trees. This amount of detail on joist stops is very unusual. The cambered fireplace lintel, slightly damaged by later plastering, has a lower narrow band of running-leaf carving and a wider upper band in a different leaf design, the 2 separated by a double band of embattled ornament; in the centre of the top band is a shield bearing the Mowbray crest of a lion rampant. The remaining framing of the main range is plain, with only the main components visible; the roof is inaccessible. The rear range is in 3 sections, that nearest the main house in 2 bays, into one of which a straight flight of stairs has been inserted. On the ground floor the main beam, cut back for later render, has supporting brackets and plain unchamfered joists.

Listing NGR: TL9863436054