Pond Farmhouse

Pond Farmhouse is a farmhouse that dates from the late 16th century, 17th century, and 18th century, situated on an earlier moated site. It is constructed of limestone rubble and features a stone slate roof. The building has two storeys and an attic. The original part of the farmhouse is located at the rear and consists of two bays with one storey and an attic. This is complemented by an early 17th-century 'L' plan front block with three bays, also made of limestone rubble and featuring ashlar dressings and an offset plinth. The front block includes a central stair hall, although the plan has been altered over time.

There are further extensions to the rear from the 19th and 20th centuries. The original building has later sash windows and two gables with six-pane sashes. The 17th-century section features hollow chamfered stone-mullioned windows, some with transoms, and elliptical relieving arches above. On the upper floor, these windows have been replaced with 16-pane sashes set in raised stone surrounds, with some blocked due to the insertion of a stack. The entrance includes a half-glazed door within a trellised pitched porch. The left and rear gables have been raised and coped, and the inserted stack has shaped shoulders and a rebuilt shaft. There is one dormer and a stone wine cellar from the 18th century at the rear.

Inside the early building, there are heavy chamfered cross beams and joists, with timber-framed partitions that originally featured wattle and daub, now only surviving on the first floor. The later building has ovolo moulded ceiling beams and some early doors, along with a reset datestone from 1698. The staircase was replaced in the 20th century. Notably, the house served as the country retreat of the Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, and was home to the Bathe family in the 18th century. Additionally, there is a good detached stone cattle house from 1914 located on the north side.