Sampford Mill Farmhouse

Farmhouse, divided into two dwellings. Dating largely to the 17th century, with additions and alterations in the 18th and 19th centuries, and further subdivision and extension in the mid to late 20th century. The walls are rendered over stone rubble and cob; a rear wing of 17th century origin was heightened in the mid to late 19th century using brick, which was also used for a rear lean-to of the same period. A further rear wing was constructed in approximately 1963 using brick and concrete block. The roof is hipped and gabled, with concrete tiles and Double Roman tiles to the rear wing. Brick flues mark rear lateral and gable stacks.

The original plan was a 3-room layout, with a cross passage dividing the right-hand room at the lower end from the central room, which likely functioned as a main hall or living room in the 17th century. The rear lateral stack is typical of plan forms in the southwest region. The rear wing was constructed in two phases and heightened in the 19th century; the rear wall contains a plaster overmantle plaque dated 1664. The house was then subdivided in the late 20th century, with the new property including the rear wing constructed around 1963 and the original parlour.

The interior of the small room at the lower end features a late 19th or 20th century beam adjacent to the chimney stack, which is likely of 17th century date, and a chamfered 17th century beam set over a more recent partition adjoining the passage. A lath and plaster partition dividing the passage from the central room contains 17th and 18th century studs. This central room features a stop-chamfered beam and 19th century stairs to the right of the lateral stack. 18th century two-panel doors are present. Two 17th century collar trusses remain. The rear wall of the wing, which was gutted in the later 19th century, contains a 17th century moulded plaster overmantle with trailing foliage, a winged angel head on the shaft and the initials “L.W.” and the date 1664.