Windout Farmhouse

TEDBURN ST MARY WINDOUT LANE SX 89 SW

3/101 Windout Farmhouse

11.11.52

GV II*

Farmhouse. Probably medieval origins, remodelled in the circa late C16. Colourwashed rendered cob on stone rubble footings; wheat straw thatched roof, gabled at ends; end stacks, front lateral projecting stack with granite ashlar shaft, end stack to rear wing. The present plan is 3 room and cross passage (rear of passage modified) main range, lower end to the left, with a single-storey rear lean-to and rear right wing. There is a strong likelihood that the original plan was a medieval open hall house but without access to the roofspace this remains unproven. The 3 room and passage plan is circa late C16 with an unusually large lower end (left-hand) room, subdivided in the C20 and clearly intended as a high status parlour. A wing at right angles to the inner room forms an L-plan and may be a kitchen wing added in the C17. 2 storeys. Irregular 6-window front with the eaves thatch rising as gables above 3 first floor half-dormers. The lateral stack, right of centre has a fine granite shaft and cap and is flanked by granite runnels to throw rainwater off the chimney breast. Wide half-glazed front door, left of centre, into passage with a flat porch canopy. Fenestration of 2-light casement windows, 6 panes per light, some of the casements are iron with hasp handles and may be circa late C18/early C19. Fire insurance signs in 2 of the dormer gables, plaster arms showing castle in gable of dormer above front door. The rear right wing also has casement windows with small panes. Interior Not fully inspected but notable features survive. The lower end ground floor room, (left-hand) has been subdivided by a plasterboard partition fixed to the cross beam which is deeply chamfered with step stops. On either side of the cross beam are 2 decorated plaster ceilings (Period One, French) of different designs but using the same motifs: lions, double-headed eagles and castles divided by a pattern of ribs. The plasterboard is clearly by the same atelier as the plasterwork at Little Hackworthy (qv.) in the same parish. The cross beam is said to have been plastered before the partition was inserted. C20 grate to left-hand room and to the axial stack, probably concealing earlier features. Interior of wing not inspected but said to have exposed beams and a large blocked fireplace. No access to roofspace at time of survey (1985) but it is possible that a medieval roof and thatch exist under the layers of thatch visible at eaves level. An especially nice example of a cob and thatch house of the region with notable plaster work. The house has not been substantially altered this century. Kathleen and Cecil French, "Devonshire Plasterwork", T.D.A, 1957, vol 89, pp. 124- 144.

Listing NGR: SX8112391967