The Steps Farmhouse

The Steps Farmhouse likely has origins in the 17th century, with significant remodelling and enlargement in the 19th century and alterations in the 1880s. The farmhouse is L-shaped, developing from a sub-medieval range originally built into the hillside to the west, with a late Georgian cross-range added across the slope to the east. At the time of enlargement, the earlier range was raised in height. The exterior is characterised by colourwashed rubble stone walls, slate roofs, and stone chimney stacks that have been heightened with red brick. The front façade, facing across the Usk valley, has a two-by-two window arrangement with hornless small-pane sashes. The first floor windows are 16-pane, and those on the ground floor are 20-pane. A later doorway is located to the right, with a boarded door and a trellised porch. Some windows are set under large lintels. The earlier range has a gently sloping base and is believed to have originally included a chimney breast. There is also a blocked doorway on the side facing the farmyard. Casement windows are present, and later alterations have resulted in a deep, almost catslide lean-to at the rear. The interior was inaccessible at the time of inspection in July 1995. The farmhouse possesses group value with the associated farmyard buildings.