Dales House

BROADHEMBURY DULFORD ST 00 NE

2/67 Dales House -

GV II

House. Circa early C16 origins, remodelled in the C17, probably in 2 phases. Colourwashed and rendered, probably cob on stone rubble footings; thatched roof, gabled at ends, the thatch replaced with slate at the left (south) end; end stacks, axial stack. Plan: East-facing roadside range, 3 room and through passage on plan, lower end to the right (north), hall stack backing on to the passage. The building almost certainly originated as a late medieval open hall house. The house may have been floored in 2 phases, the chamber over the lower end jettying into the hall before the hall stack was added and the hall floored in the circa mid C17, (inner room not seen at time of survey, 1987), the lower end probably remained unheated until the late C18 or C19. Exterior: 2 storeys. Asymmetrical 4 window front with a C20 thatched porch on posts and an C18 or early C19 panelled front door to the through passage to right of centre. 2- and 3-light probably early C20 timber casements, 2 panes per light except ground floor left which is a C20 metal framed window. Interior: Rich in C16 and C17 carpentry and joinery. Plank and muntin screen at the lower side of the passage, formerly with 2 doorways to the lower end room which was presumably sub-divided. 1 original doorframe with a crank headed arch survives. A section of medieval plank and muntin screen survives at the higher side of the passage with a chamfered doorframe and a probably C17 door. The stair has been altered in the C20 and now rises from the passage parallel to the rear wall of the hall. The hall has high quality circa mid C17 crossbeams, chamfered with bar stops, a plank and muntin screen at the higher side with chamfered muntins and an open fireplace with a chamfered timber lintel. The lower end has a chamfered timber crossbeam which has been reduced in size. Inner room not seen at time of survey. Roof: Apex not inspected but the roof construction is side-pegged jointed cruck trusses with evidence of smoke-blackening from the medieval open hearth visible on the cruck feet. An inspection of the apex of the roof would probably allow a more detailed interpretation of the evolution of the house. An evolved house with an historic plan form and a wealth of interior carpentry and joinery. Forms a group with Bakers Farmhouse and Bakers Dairy opposite.

Listing NGR: ST0701405910