Oldridge

CHITTLEHAMPTON SS 62 SE Oldridge

4/117 - GV II Farmhouse, later divided into 2 cottages, now reverted to single occupation. Probably mid to late C16, extended in C18. Roughcast rendered stone rubble and cob. Thatch roof with gable ends and plain ridge. Brick shaft to stone rubble stack with bread oven projection to left gable end of original range, diagonally set brick shafts to stacks across rear angles at each end of C18 range, that to upper left end with bread oven projection. Original range consists of single room, with winder staircase beside stack at left gable end. Smoke-blackened roof structure shows it to have been originally open to the roof, the floor probably inserted later than usual, possibly in the C18. A straight joint at the right end of the rear wall suggests the right gable end has been rebuilt, so possibly the house originally extended further to the right. However, the gable end wall at the base is as thick as the adjoining walls, so that any demolition at this end must have occurred at an early date, and it is possible the house remained for a period as an open hall house of 1-room plan - a most unusual survival. In the C18, a wing of 2-room plan was added to the front left end of the original range, creating an overall L-shape plan. This originally had a staircase (now removed) in the lower room, and so perhaps was occupied separately from the earlier range. Leanto stone rubble and cob shed at left gable end, and continuous outshut used for potato and cider storage with external access only to rear of original range. 2 storeys. 2-window range. Late C19/early C20 fenestration. Two 2-light casements 2 panes per light. Ground floor has from left to right 2-light casement, 6 panes per light, single light 9-paned window, C19 plank door with slate leanto roof to porch, and 2-light 2 panes per light at right end enclosed by C20 conservatory to front of original range, which has plank door, the upper part glazed. 2-light casement on each floor to gable end, ground floor 6 panes per light. Interior. Roughly chamfered axial beam to earlier range. Steep timber winder staircase beside fireplace. All fireplaces have C20 grates but originals survive concealed. C19 joinery largely intact. Roof: 2 roughly pegged trusses with straight principals with X apexes and waney rafters to C18 extension. Original range has no truss, simply a ridge purlin and single tier of purlins supported by gable end walls. All roof members including sawn rafters, battens, underside of thatch and purlins are thoroughly smoke- blackened.

Listing NGR: SS6741223602