Thorn Farmhouse

Thorn Farmhouse likely began in the early or mid 16th century, with significant alterations in the late 16th and 17th centuries, and modernisation around 1970. It is constructed of local stone and flint rubble, with stone rubble and cob stacks topped with 19th and 20th century brick, and a thatched roof. Originally a 4-room-and-through-passage plan house facing south-east, a small unheated inner room was initially separate from the hall, but the partition was removed in a later alteration. The hall has a central axial stack where the passage once stood; the lower passage screen and rear doorway have been removed. To the right of the passage is a service end kitchen, and a further 1-room plan extension dates from the 18th or 19th century. These service rooms are separated by a shared axial stack.

The exterior presents an irregular 5-window front with 20th century hardwood casements containing rectangular panes of leaded glass. Three windows on the first floor are half dormers. A 20th century segmental arch doorway is centrally positioned, with a plank door. A secondary former cottage doorway is located at the left end, featuring a late 19th century 2-flap door. A visible join marks the junction between the service end kitchen and the extension. The rear wall displays several 17th century oak-framed windows with chamfered mullions, including a 3-light window to the kitchen and a 2-light window above the blocked passage doorway.

Inside, the service end kitchen has 20th century crossbeams. The early 17th century fireplace here has an oak frame with a chamfered surround and lambstongue stops, alongside an oven on each side, now lined with brick. A cob stack is thought to be present. In the chamber above, an early 18th century fireplace incorporates hand-made brick, a chamfered oak lintel, and a slate hearth. The hall fireplace is constructed of Beerstone ashlar with a chamfered oak lintel and includes a seat on one side; the exposed crossbeam is also chamfered with roll stops. The roof has been largely rebuilt, but one original 17th century A-frame truss remains, with a mortised and tenoned collar. The remainder of the roof was rebuilt in the 19th century, using reused 17th century timbers. Thorn Farmhouse is a notable building within the attractive hamlet of Farway.