The Ashes Farmhouse

The Ashes is a farmhouse, originally dating back to the 17th century, with alterations and extensions throughout its history. It comprises a main range with a short, rear gabled chimney and a stair projection against which is a lower, rear wing. The main structure is timber-framed, with later brick nogging, some of which is laid diagonally, and a slate roof. The building is of group value, exhibiting significant architectural and historical merit.

The western elevation, which was likely the original front of the house, retains diamond-pattern bracing in the upper storey on the left and right sides, and close studding in the lower storey. The probable original entrance, originally offset to the left of centre, has been blocked and replaced with a small window. A 2-light window is located on the left side, and a pair of 2-light windows on the right side. The upper storey features three 2-light windows and a small inserted window to the right of centre. The north gable end is mainly brick in the lower storey, with remnants of close studding on the left side. Above, the timber framing survives intact, featuring square-panelled framing with chevron bracing to the first floor, close-studding with chevron bracing in the attic storey, which is jettied on moulded brackets. There are two 2-light windows in the lower storey, two single casements in the upper storey, and a single 2-light attic window. A modern lean-to is situated against the rear wall. The south gable of the main range has been rebuilt in brick and contains single casement windows on each floor. A modern lean-to provides access at the rear, in line with this gable, and contains the entrance. The original stair and chimney projection, rebuilt in brick, projects from the centre of the rear wall. The rear wing continues the wall line to the north, where box-framing with brick infill is visible. This elevation has a 2-light casement window to the lower left and small casement windows below the eaves. The eastern gable end of the wing, rebuilt in brick, incorporates a 2-light window in the upper storey, above which is a stone relief tablet bearing the Hanmer crest. The south elevation of the wing shows 19th-century brickwork, with a central boarded door flanked by a 2-light and a 3-light casement window. Above are two similar windows.

The original layout was likely a hall and parlour with a wide central passage. The passage in the lower storey retains close-studded partitions; the right-hand partition in the upper storey is box-framed. The larger room on the right, which was likely the hall, contains a heavy-framed ceiling with large chamfers, a lateral fireplace with a timber lintel and herringbone brickwork, and a boarded cupboard door with butterfly hinges to the left of the fireplace.

The dog-leg stair at the rear of the passage has lost its balusters. A boarded door, with bands of studs and strap hinges, is located at the top of the lower flight of stairs and leads to the rear wing. The room above the hall in the upper storey retains a heavy-framed ceiling.