Pulshayes

Pulshayes is a house, likely dating back to an earlier structure remodelled in 1846 (as indicated by a datestone), with later repairs in the late 1970s. The house is constructed of rendered stone rubble with stone dressings, and features a very steeply-pitched roof with deep eaves covered in red hexagonal tiles. A prominent axial stack incorporates a cluster of rendered shafts. The design is unusual and somewhat Germanic in character.

The house’s core is a single-depth, east-facing range containing two principal rooms, with a projecting, square stair tower at the front. A tower room sits atop the stair tower. A north wing, at right angles to the main range and connecting at the northwest corner, houses service rooms. The main entrance is located in a lean-to against the east wall of the north wing, with a rear (west) outshut. The accommodation has been extended into a contemporary farmbuilding attached to the north wing’s west side.

The asymmetrical east front is dominated by the three-stage tower, which has a moulded stone plinth and a steep pyramidal roof. Moulded string courses define the stages of the tower, and rectangular, stone-framed windows light the stairwell. Pairs of quatrefoil windows set within square stone frames are located under the eaves, lighting the tower room. A datestone of 1846, carved in relief with a coat of arms, is displayed on the east face and is said to be Italian in origin. To the right of the tower is an original, eccentric canted bay window; it features hollow-chamfered stone mullions and idiosyncratic stone shafts supported on stone corbels beneath the cill. A similar window is also present on the south return. To the left of the tower is a two-light stone mullioned window with hollow-chamfered mullions. Other original windows are found on the south elevation, although some 1970s replacements have been added to the outshut.

The interior plan is largely original, although service rooms, particularly the outshut (which was formerly a dairy), have been modernized. Chimneypieces originate from elsewhere in the house. The stair retains its original timber handrail, curving around the central core. The tower room is notably decorated; stained glass remains in the windows, and the roof has a plaster vault with diagonal ribs and a central foliage boss.

The building is remarkable, reportedly erected by an Italian. Its unconventional appearance is emphasized by an avenue of poplars that was planted after the house was built.