Ashleigh

SX 38 SE LIFTON

5/115 Ashleigh II

Farmhouse. Medieval core, circa early to mid C18 and late C19 alterations. Rendered whitewashed stone rubble with cement washed scantle slate roof gabled at ends, the rear wing has a corrugated asbestos roof. 3 rendered stacks with brick shafts, 2 at gable ends of main range, 1 on ridge. The original plan was a probably a 2-bay open hall house of which 1 smoke-blackened truss survives. A south wing at right angles to the hall has a probably mid to late C16 roof and may have been the great chamber before the hall was ceiled over. The main range was extended at both ends, possibly in the C18 when a short projection with a hipped roof was added on the north side although this may have been an adaptation of an existing structure. An outshut was added at the west on the south side between the wing and the main range, and a lean- to at the east on the south side between the wing and the main range, probably in the late C19 when most of the main range was refenestrated. It seems likely from the remnants of a circa C15 stone traceried window at the south of the house that the medieval build was substantial. 2 storeys. Asymmetrical 4-window north front with approximately central front projection under a hipped roof. Change in plane of front indicates addition at left end. Entrance through C19 half-glazed porch to left front projection. Ground floor windows late C19 sashes with glazing bars, 2 similar first floor windows, first floor window left is a 16-pane hornless sash, first floor window right temporarily blocked. The rear wing has been extended to the south and the south end is used as a farmbuilding with loft over. Interior 1 smoke-blackened truss with 1 broken principal immediately to the east of the stack on the ridge. The truss is halved and pegged at the apex, with a straight pegged collar, former purlins were threaded. The truss is blackened on the east side only. A wall to the east marks the length of the medieval hall with some smoke- blackening visible beneath later plaster. Truncated principals to the north projection below a later roof suggest circa late C16 origins for the projection. The south wing trusses are not smoke-blackened and have cambered pegged collars and large principals which may be crucks. Fireplaces all said to be modern, but may conceal earlier features. The masonry of a large stone traceried window and what appears to be a font plinth exist to the south of the house. Lysons states that the Manor of Ashleigh belonged to the Ashleigh family from the C13 to the C14 before passing to Tirell, Hals and Trelawney and eventually to the Bullers in 1730.

Listing NGR: SX3962983543