Sampford Barton Farmhouse

Sampford Barton Farmhouse is a building with a complex history, likely originating in the early 16th century, with significant alterations and additions spanning several centuries. The main range was largely rebuilt around 1840, although a section of its rear wall remains, incorporating an original doorway that now connects to the surviving mid-17th century rear wing. The original plan is unclear due to the extensive rebuilding.

The building is constructed of granite and slatestone rubble, with an asbestos slate roof on the rear wing and a hipped slate roof on the 1840 block. The front of the 1840 block is stuccoed and lined out, with rendered stacks on either side. The rear wing has a gable end stack and an attached outshut, possibly integral. The main range has a symmetrical front with two storeys and three 12-pane sash windows, some of which are replacements with added horns. A single-storey addition from the 20th century extends from the left-hand side of the front range.

The rear wing exhibits distinctive features, including five external granite steps leading to an upper floor, probably added after the 18th-century staircase alterations. It includes a half-glazed door, a 3-light casement, large granite quoins, a smoke chamber projection, a slate string course, and a small 2-light casement set in a chamfered granite surround with a slate dripstone. There is evidence of roof raising and extending to the left, as well as a 20th-century granite addition. The wing appears to have been extended later in the 17th century, with a thinner external wall on the left return.

Inside, the original rear doorway of the 16th-century main range has been incorporated as an internal doorway, retaining a granite, hollow-chamfered arch with depressed 4-centred shape and stepped stops, as well as pintles. The fireplace features a flat granite lintel and a smoke chamber recess. A stepped passage leads to the 1840 block, which contains an 18th-century staircase with turned balusters and panelling.

The farmhouse represents a fascinating record of development through successive additions and rebuilding, an example of farm building evolving over time.