Beare Farmhouse and Front Garden Area Wall

Farmhouse. Dating to the 15th century, with additions and alterations in the 17th and 19th centuries. The farmhouse is constructed of random rubble volcanic trap, rendered on the front elevation, with gabled-end slate roofs that were once thatched. Originally a 3-room, through-passage plan house, it retains a medieval smoke-blackened roof. There are two rear end wings: the right wing is a 17th-century parlour wing, and the left wing is a 19th-century wing and apple loft with a cellar. A stone axial stack with a moulded cap is located on the Hall side of the passage (to the right), and a large stone external lateral stack with a moulded cap heats the parlour wing. A 19th-century internal front lateral stack with a brick shaft heats the former lower end. The farmhouse has two storeys throughout. The front elevation has a 3-window range; late 19th-century 2-light casement windows are above, with 6 panes per light. There are two 2-light windows of different sizes at ground floor to the right of the entrance, marking the Hall and former inner room. The rear elevation has 2-light windows, late 19th or 20th century, including a slated dormer; and two 3-light openings to the apple loft/cellar, the apple loft accessed by external steps. Inside, the Hall has 3 cross beams, deeply chamfered with run-out stops. The left-hand room has 19th-century internal panelled shutters. The floor above the Hall is raised 45 centimeters above the level of the floors of adjacent rooms. A 17th-century doorframe provides first-floor access into the parlour wing. The roof shows evidence of smoke-blackening throughout the main range. There are three jointed crucks, one over the lower end, and the others above the Hall. The lower end cruck is smoke-blackened on both sides and was originally closed. Of the two Hall principals, one retains its chamfered arched-brace, whilst the principal over the parlour end (also originally closed, and less heavily sooted to the parlour side) has lost it. All are morticed and side-pegged at the apex. There are trenched purlins. A diagonal ridge-piece and purlins are sooted to the extreme right-hand end. The rear courtyard is enclosed by a rubble stone wall with a slate roof. Also included in the listing is the front garden wall of ashlar with stone gabled coping.