Gatehouse With Bridge And Stable Block Adjoining West Of Widhayes Farmhouse

This is an early 17th-century gatehouse with an associated stable block, alongside a bridge added in the mid-18th century and refurbished in the late 19th century. The gatehouse and stable block are situated west of Widhayes Farmhouse. The construction uses plastered cob on stone rubble footings; the gateway itself is red sandstone conglomerate rubble with purple-coloured volcanic ashlar detailing; and the roof is slate, likely thatched before the 19th century.

The buildings are situated alongside a lane, running on a roughly east-west axis. The gatehouse is positioned between the kitchen wing of the farmhouse and the stable block, facing north onto the lane, while the stable block faces south onto the farmyard. Originally just a gateway, the gatehouse now contains a room over the carriageway, which appears to be a later addition. The stable block has a hayloft above and underwent substantial rebuilding in the 19th century. In the mid-18th century, a stream was diverted to run along the outside of the farmhouse and farmyard, with a small bridge constructed across it, connecting the lane to the gateway.

The gatehouse’s front elevation is notable for its early 17th-century design featuring a large, round-headed arch with a moulded surround and hoodmould. Above the arch is a stone plaque within a moulded frame; the original inscription has been lost to weathering. It is gabled with ashlar coping. The original oak door remains, along with a central round-headed wicket door, both richly decorated with rows of regular studded rusticated oak blocks with chamfered edges. The main door has a shell head, and the wicket door's head is adorned with a lozenge-shaped plaque. Original wrought-iron fittings are still in place. An impressive segmental arch bridge with plain parapets and a pitched cobble floor leads to the gateway.

The lane-facing side of the stable block is largely blank. The farmyard front has two double doorways, each accompanied by a casement window with glazing bars. Hayloft level has three further casements and a loading hatch. Under the eaves are two rows of pigeon holes, set above a slate ledge and extending around the west end of the hipped roof. A small, early 17th-century studded oak door is located on the inside of the carriageway.

The stable block's interior features plain 19th-century crossbeams and a queen strut truss roof, with original stalls still surviving. The gatehouse's upper room's original features are less apparent. The building is a remarkable survival, particularly the gateway with its original door. Supporting documents relating to the farmhouse, including a bill for the bridge's construction, are in the owner's possession.