Newhall Farmhouse And Ha Ha To Rear

Farmhouse. Dating from the 15th century, with later additions and alterations in the 16th and 19th centuries. The farmhouse is constructed of a mix of cob and stone, rendered and topped with a dry-slate gabled-end roof. The structure retains the remains of an earlier 8-bay roof of cruck construction, with 4 bays showing evidence of smoke-blackening. Originally designed with a 3-room, through-passage plan, with the lower end situated to the left of the passage (the front facing the farmyard). A lower-end wing was added, likely in the 16th century, and a right-hand extension in the 19th century, built of stone and featuring a catslide roof. There are two axial stacks with brick shafts: one in the hall, backing onto the passage, and another to the right (formerly an end stack heating a parlour); a stone axial stack is located at the junction of the wing and the main range. The farmhouse has two storeys. The front elevation displays a 4-window range. C19 2 and 3-light windows are positioned above, with lintels at eaves level. A centrally located entrance leads to the former passage, featuring a fielded-panelled door under a slate-roofed open porch supported by two chamfered timber posts. A C19 2-light window is to the left, and two 1 and 3-light timber windows to the right. To the right of this range, a C19 extension contains two entrances, one under a slate-roofed open porch and another with a 3-light timber window. The rear elevation includes one entrance in the angle formed by the junction of the main range and wing, positioned opposite the front passage entrance, and another entrance to the left, both under matching slate-roofed open porches. Above, there are three C19 2-light timber windows, and below, a C20 3-light timber window and two 3-light windows at the end of the wing, the upper of which is under a depressed C19 arch. All windows are casement windows with 6 or 2 lights per pane. Internally, rooms were not inspected, but three chamfered beams are visible in the parlour. Wind braces are visible in the first-floor rooms. The roof space reveals 7 principals of the older roof; one is missing. Surviving apex carpentry is morticed and side-pegged, with no ridge-piece socket. Four bays show smoke-blackened principals and purlins. The principals at either end of this section are sooted only on the inner side, and are closed, likely indicating the medieval hall. These principals have arch braces with a concave chamfer and roll moulding, while the purlins are threaded. Some smoke-blackened rafters are also present.