Higher Fuge

Higher Fuge is a farmhouse dated 1726, and possibly representing a rebuilding or significant remodelling of an earlier house. It is constructed of dressed stone rubble with a slate roof, featuring projecting lateral stacks on the crosswings; the left-hand crosswing is truncated, while the right-hand one has a tall rendered shaft. A large rendered gable-end stack is present on the rear wing.

The plan suggests a 1726 remodelling of an earlier structure, with the central range seemingly rebuilt. This section includes an entrance hall to the left, a stair tower behind, and a large room to the right. The lower crosswings on either side may be remnants of the original house. Unheated single-storey wings are positioned behind the left-hand rear wing, while the right-hand rear wing features a prominent gable-end stack. Another tower-like projection is located at the back of the central range, near the stair tower, with a single-storey outshut attached to its right.

The south front is symmetrical, comprising 2, 5, and 2 bays. The central 5-bay range has a hipped roof with a wooden modillion eaves cornice and a string at first-floor level. Red sandstone keyblocks to the segmented window arches bear the date 1726. A doorway is located to the left of the centre, featuring a fanlight, similar arch and keystone, and a later panelled door. Above the doorway is a carved slate plaque displaying a coat of arms. The windows are circa 18th century 12-pane sashes in 18th-century reveals. Similar windows are found in the projecting gable-ended crosswings and small, narrow 8-pane attic sashes are in the gables. The sides of the crosswings feature projecting lateral stacks and windows with glazing bars. The rear elevation is gabled to the right and left, with a hipped roof stair tower centrally, topped with a circa 18th century 12-pane sash. An additional hipped roof projection with a 12-pane sash is situated in the angle to the left of the stair tower. Single-storey wings flank the right and left, with the right wing having a hipped roof and the left wing a large rendered gable-end stack.

Internal inspection was not possible during the 1988/89 survey, but panelled window shutters and soffits were noted at the front. A good open-well, open-string staircase is present, characterized by moulded balusters, a moulded handrail ramped up to the newel and wreathed over the curtail, and carved tread ends. Historical records indicate the house was built in 1725 by the late C. Hayne Esq. The property's history includes ownership by the Russells and Roopes of Dartmouth, having formerly been part of the parish of Blackawton.