Swinsty Farmhouse

This is a 17th-century farmhouse, with significant alterations from the 18th and 19th centuries, and an extension dated 1866. It is constructed of whitewashed rendered rubble walls, partly using stone originating from Holme Cultram Abbey. The roof is graduated greenslate with coped gables, kneelers, and stone chimney stacks. The original design was a 2-story, 3-bay farmhouse, to which flanking extensions have been added under a common roofline. The main entrance, now with a 4-panel door and glazed fanlight in a painted stone surround, displays a dated inscription above it, reading “J & J.J. 1667”. Sash windows with glazing bars are set within painted stone surrounds. A 2-pane sash window on the ground floor to the right was previously an entrance, evidenced by a shaped lintel bearing a date and inscription, although it has likely been moved from its original location. A capital from a 3-shaft column, originating from Holme Cultram Abbey, is built into the wall below the eaves to the right of the entrance. An extension to the left features a plank door in a painted stone surround. A datestone is set above the entrance, with a similar uninscribed stone to the right. A contemporary outshut to the rear includes stone mullioned windows, from which the mullions have been removed, and a smaller chamfered-surround fire window. Historical records, specifically James Jackson’s Diary, document the commencement of construction in April 1667 and a subsequent move to Swinsty in May 1661. Adjoining outbuildings are not considered to be of historic significance.