Higher Brithayes Farmhouse

SS 90 NE BICKLEIGH 6/6 Higher Brithayes Farmhouse II Farmhouse. Circa mid C18. Whitewashed rendered stone, rear wall unrendered; slate roof, gabled at ends; right end stack, stack to rear of ridge; left end stack, shaft dismantled. Plan: An interesting transitional plan form, combining the asymmetry and chimney stack positions of the pre C18 3 room and cross passage arrangement with the later design of linking the stairs with the main entrance and providing carefully-planned service rooms. 3 rooms wide with a cross passage containing the stair to left of centre, the passage continuing between narrow rear service rooms in an integral outshut with a catslide roof. The 3 principal rooms are parlour (formerly heated by a left end stack) to the left of the passage; living room in the centre, heated by a stack on the rear wall and kitchen to the right heated by the right end stack. An axial passage runs to the rear of the living room and kitchen with a series of service rooms behind it with attic accommodation above. The axial passage is entered from the rear of the kitchen, has a service stair at the right end and opens into the rear of the through passage at the left end, giving complete access to all the service rooms and service accommodation from the rear of the house without any necessity to enter the principal rooms. A large single-storey block adjoining the right end has probably always been a fuel stone. 2 storeys. Almost symmetrical 4 window front, panelled front door into passage to left of centre with a flat porch canopy carried on moulded timber brackets; additional door with similar porch canopy on front to right of centre leading directly into the kitchen. 3-light casements, 4 panes per light except first floor window above front door which is a similar 2-light casement. Interior The principal ground floor rooms all have C18 doors with 2 fielded panels and HL hinges. Stick baluster stair with a turned newel. C20 grates, massive circular bread oven to kitchen fireplace projecting into the storage room adjoining at the right end. The service rooms have plank doors and strap hinges with gudgeon hooks. The house is said formerly to have had an C18 datestone on the front wall. Intact C18 farmhouses are rare in Devon, Higher Brithayes is a fine example with a particularly interesting plan form and surviving joinery.

Listing NGR: SS9618807530