Cow House Approximately 30 Metres North East Of Shilstone Farmhouse

This cow house, located approximately 30 metres north-east of Shilstone Farmhouse, is probably from the 18th century. It is constructed from plastered granite stone rubble and features a corrugated iron roof, which was originally thatch. The building faces south-west and is notably wide. The ground floor is double depth, divided by an axial rubble wall that creates a series of cow stalls on either side, with a roughly central through passage. The hayloft spans the full width of the building without interruption. Each side has a central doorway with a hayloft loading hatch directly above, and there are several narrow slit windows on either side, some of which have been later enlarged. There are occasional vents to the hayloft and small apertures low down that likely serve as drains. The roof is half-hipped on the right side and butts against the adjoining Shilstone Cottages on the left. Inside, the cow house features plain carpentry details, including a 7-bay roof supported by large A-frame trusses, each with two sets of pegged lap-jointed collars. This cow house is considered unusual for its time and is part of a group with Shilstone Farmhouse and its associated farm buildings, situated in an attractive location.