Kibbear Farmhouse, Gate And Railings Enclosing Front Garden

Kibbear Farmhouse is a farmhouse that likely dates back to the 17th century, was enlarged in the 18th century, and refronted in the early 19th century. The building is rendered over rubble and cob, with exposed sections on the northeast wing, a brick facade in the center, and a roughcast southeast wing. The roofs are slate on the central part, double Roman tiles on the northwest wing, which features a catslide on the north front. There are large roughcast and brick stacks rising from the eaves of the central block and the left cross wing.

The plan of the farmhouse is complex, with the original range on the west front consisting of two cells and a cross passage, and a room at the north gable end that is now part of the kitchen. There is a 19th-century two-cell addition facing east with a cross passage on the same axis, and a southeast wing that abuts the main structure, along with two ranges of farm buildings at the rear.

The east front of the central block is two stories high and has three bays. It features 20-pane sash windows on the left, a 16-pane sash on the right, and a semi-circular doorway with a leaded fanlight in the center. There is a projecting hipped wing on the left with a 16-pane sash under the gable end on the first floor, and the ground floor is accessed from the left return. The right side has a refronting of an earlier building, with a three-light window on the first floor, a two-light window below, and a square-headed doorway to the right. There is also a one-bay, two-story extension on the right.

On the rear elevation, there are remains of a two-light chamfered mullioned window above the rear entrance to the cross passage. The northwest wing, which is brick-faced cob and rubble, was noted to be in poor condition during a survey in March 1985.

Inside, the original cross passage remains, with rooms on either side featuring beams that are laterally chamfered with nick and scroll stops. The room in the northeast corner has possible remains of a panel ceiling or partition. There is a chamfered lintel over the fireplace and evidence of a large bread oven that is now blocked. The original passage axis continues with early 19th-century panelled reveals leading to a semi-circular headed opening, a stick stair, and original doors. The upper storey was not seen.

The railings and gate at the property are early 19th-century cast iron, featuring spearhead uprights with urn standards and scroll supports, with a single gate designed in the same style. These enclose the garden forecourt to the main block. Kibbear Farmhouse is an interesting and complex farmhouse.