Holwell Barton Farmhouse

Farmhouse. Dating to the early 16th century, with alterations in the mid- and late 17th century and extensive refurbishment in the mid-19th century. The construction is plastered cob on rubble footings, with stone stacks topped with 19th-century brick, and a thatched roof. It likely originated from a 2- or 3-room-and-through-passage plan, although 19th-century alterations obscure the original layout. The main block has a gable facing east and a 3-room plan. A cob cross wall separates the southern and central rooms, with a 17th-century kitchen block situated behind the central room. There are further 19th- and 20th-century extensions to the rear. Gable-end stacks are present to the southern room (left of the front), alongside disused corner stacks to the other front rooms, and a large lateral stack to the kitchen. The building is two storeys high with an attic over the left end, featuring an irregular 4-window front with 20th-century wooden casements. A door is located to the right of the centre room, and an iron-framed French window is at the right end. A late 17th-century pine 2-light attic window with flat-faced mullion is set into the left gable. The interior was thoroughly refurbished in the mid-19th century, and many 16th- and 17th-century details are likely concealed. The south room contains a 17th-century volcanic ashlar fireplace with an oak lintel and a broad beaded surround. Part of a large volcanic ashlar fireplace and oven are exposed in the kitchen. The roof displays only evidence of 16th-century origins. A 3-bay section to the north shows smoke-blackened purlins and common rafters from what was originally an open hall house with an open hearth fire, although the original trusses were replaced in the 17th century with oak A-frames featuring dovetail, lap-jointed collars. The attic to the south features a later 17th-century A-frame truss with a plain pegged lap-jointed collar, and the front wall shows evidence of former half-dormers.