Mechi Farmhouse

NY 14 SE BLENNERHASSET & TORPENHOW Blennerhasset

5/11A Mechi Farmhouse

GV II

Farmhouse. 1863-4 for William Lawson of Brayton. Polychrome rubble walls with flush red-sandstone quoins, under Welsh slate roof with red standstone chimney stacks. 2 storeys, 3 bays, with lower 2-storey, single-bay, right angle right extension. 2 doorways and window covered by C20 glazed porch. Sash windows in painted stone surrounds and 2 gabled dormer windows. Extension has external stone steps to upper-floor doorway (formerly laboratory over kitchen). Sash windows in painted stone surrounds. Part of a model co-operative farm, run along the lines of the form established by Alderman Mechi at Tiptree Heath, Essex and hence the name, although it was called Blennerhasset Farm for many years. Fully documented by William Lawson in his book, Ten Years of Gentleman Farming, 1874, describing the building of the farm, its management and accounts, giving a unique insight into the running of a model farm, which is still remarkably complete. William Lawson said op cit p.l9, "on the 2 February 1862 (aged 26) I came actually into occupation of the farm, which prematurely took the name of The Model Farm as soon as the steam plough was introduced upon it..... I determined that my farm should be a Co-operative one..... it was a delightful time - destroying the old-fashioned work and preparing the new." Although revolutionary in its methods and with co-operative farm shops as far away as Newcastle and Carlisle, the farm was never a success and losses were considerable. However Mr Lawson pointed out that if he had had the labourers and manager who were familiar with methods he was using, then the farm could have been a success.

Listing NGR: NY1741141172