The Malthouse

CHULMLEIGH SOUTH MOLTON STREET SS 6814-6914 (west side), Chulmleigh 7/101 The Malthouse (formerly listed 20.2.67 as Bass Tenement GV II House. Early to mid C16, remodelled probably in early C17, with C19 and C20 alterations. Rendered stone rubble and cob. Some timber framing with brick infill to rear wing. Thatch roof with gable ends. Brick stack to left end. Plan: Main range has principal heated to room to left of wide entrance hall which has C20 winder staircase in rear right-hand corner. The principal room is partitioned axially to create 2 small rear service/storage rooms with a C20 kitchen outshut at the rear. Original kitchen in 2-storey right-angled wing to rear of entrance hall, probably added in early C19, and creating overall L-shaped plan. Extending from the rear of the kitchen wing is the large C19 malthouse which has been heavily altered in C20. Development: C19 and C20 internal alterations have entirely obscured the original plan, but the smoke blackened roof structure indicates this was originally an open hall house, with 3 cruck trusses surviving, one sited over the principal room, one over the thin partition between the principal room and entrance hall which rises through 2 storeys to below collar level, and one over the right gable end, which is closed to the apex. It is possible therefore that the range originally extended to the right, but was clearly modified at an early date, probably in the early C17 when, to judge, by the upper storey fenestration, the floors were inserted. Exterior: 2 storeys. 2 window range. C17 fenestration intact to upper storey with 2 light ovolo mullion oriel window to left supported on shaped timber brackets and 3 light ogee mullion window to right with shallow bracketted hood. Both windows retain rectangular leaded lights. Ground floor has C20 3 light window to left of doorway with bracketted hood and C20 door. Small early C20 2 light mullion window to right with Art Nouveau coloured glass. Interior. Ground floor entirely altered in C20 but earlier fabric may well be concealed. Beneath the kitchen with access from the malthouse, is a low cellar with cambered arched ceiling and central well. 2 late C18 or early C19 raised and fielded panelled doors to chambers. Roof: 3 cruck trusses, the feet plastered over so not possible to tell whether jointed, with 2 tiers of threaded purlins and ridge purlin. None of the collars is visible. All the roof members including the rafters and battens (but not the underside of the thatch) are smoke-blackened. The truss over the right gable end is closed above collar level with horizontal planking. C19 king post roof trusses to rear kitchen wing.

Listing NGR: SS6866214309