Farmbuilding At Abbey Farm

The farm building at Abbey Farm is a single-storey structure, likely built as a stable in the mid 17th century. It is made of soft red brick laid in English Bond, with 18th century and later alterations. The building features a cat slide roof covered with pantiles and has a gabled dormer positioned left of center, along with a projecting plinth. The façade includes a 20th century double door with a concrete lintel to the left of center, two doors to the right of center—one framed with a 19th century surround—and a single door at the left (south-west) end. There is a blocked door opening to the left of the double door and five casement windows, some with replacement concrete cills, all adorned with drip mouldings. The rear elevation has a blocked window on the west side.

Inside, the building consists of 12 bays, with a 20th century replacement floor structure in the far left bays. The interior features square-sectioned chamfered bridging beams with lambs-tongue stops. The 18th century roof is made up of closed rafters with staggered purlins and tie beams.

This building was listed in 1988 as a barn for its group value with the nearby church of St Mary and the Priory gatehouse. It is believed to have originally served as a stable for Letheringham Abbey, which was built by Sir Robert Naunton, Secretary of State under James I. The bricks used in its construction were likely sourced from the dissolved priory buildings. The stable is a notable example of a purpose-built farm building that predates 1750 and has largely retained its original condition. Despite remodels from the 18th to the 20th century, the building showcases architectural quality in its façade detailing and proportions, meeting the criteria for listing as a structure of this age and type.