Fen Farmhouse

EARL STONHAM FEN LANE TM 05 NE 4/97 Fen Farmhouse - - II

Former farmhouse, mid C16 with alterations of late C16 and early C17. 2 storeys and attics. 3-cell cross-passage entrance plan since C17, but initially a rare example of a smoke-bay house with sleeping loft beyond. Timber-framed and roughcast. Plaintiled roof, with axial C18 chimney of red brick, and a C17 internal end chimney with sawtooth shaft. Mid C20 casements (some early C19 windows to rear). Boarded- C19 entrance door at cross-passage position. The original house comprised: a service cell, within which was a cross-passage; this gave access through speres to a wide smoke-bay; beyond to right was a further bay, with a loft above supported on a massive binding joist. The crownpost roof has smoke-blackening in the smoke-bay. Heavy unmoulded framing, with arch windbraced studwork. The house was extended to right and left in early C17; the formerly hipped-roofed service end received a gable chimney and newel stair. A massive late C16 upper floor was inserted into the smoke bay, and a wide open fireplace added with a new parlour beyond to right. Attics were inserted throughout. Several moulded oak plank doors. Some joinery of c.1800 in the parlour including a pilastered corner cupboard and matching fire surround.

Listing NGR: TM0943057530