Rectory Farmhouse

STANTON ST. JOHN MIDDLE ROAD SP5ONE (East side) 5/160 Rectory Farmhouse 18/07/63

GV II*

Farmhouse. Late C16/early C17 and mid/late C17. Limestone ashlar and rubble; concrete plain-tile roof. L-plan. 2 storeys plus attics. Symmetrical 3-window front , with chamfered plinth, has a central 4-centre arched doorway with recessed spandrels below a 2-light window; outer bays have 4-light windows at ground and first floors. All windows have ovolo-moulded stone mullions and some have leaded lights; ground-floor openings have labels. Roof has one gabled roof dormer, to left, and flanking stone gable stacks with projecting weatherings. Left gable wall has single-light moulded-stone windows, and returns to 2-window rear wing, with further 2- and 3-light mullioned windows with labels, extended by a lower rubble range with a 4-light leaded casement. Rear of main ranges have similar mullioned windows and there is a blocked doorway opposite the main entrance. Interior: Timber-framed partitions with richly-moulded 4-centre arched doorways with recessed spandrels and elaborate chamfer stops; 2 similarly-moulded Tudor-arched fireplaces and other plainer stone fireplaces; 2 winder stairs rising to attics; bolection-mould grained panelled room; large open fireplace in C17 kitchen wing with very wide chamfered bressumer; butt-purlin roof. Main doorway shows some evidence of re-location and may have been originally in the return front, opening into the lobby in line with the second winder stair. The present entrance hall was formerly a through passage. Over the doorway is a plaque recording the birth there of John White (1575-1648) "Chief founder of Massachusetts, New England". (V.C.H.: Oxfordshire, Vol.V, p,283; Buildings of England: Oxfordshire, p.785).

Listing NGR: SP5779009395