The Downs Farmhouse

Details

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 01/10/2012


TL 9836 24/833
5377


THE DOWNS
Stoke-by-Nayland
The Downs Farmhouse


GV
II*


Former farmhouse. Early C16, with later extensions. Timber-framed and
rendered; rear extensions partly faced in C19 red brick; plaintiled roofs.
2 storeys; 3-cell plan, with the original chimney-stack set externally on the
rear wall of the hall, and a cross entry. The stack has been rebuilt in plain
red brick. 4 window range: on the upper floor, 2-light casement windows with
square-leaded panes, pintle hinges and small supporting brackets below the sills;
on the ground floor, 2 small-paned sash windows in cased frames and one cross
window with square leading. Edwardian 4-panelled entrance door, still in the
cross-entry position, with a corresponding door on the rear wall: sunk panels,
the top 2 glazed, flat pediment with shaped mock-Jacobean brackets. Frame in 4
bays, the main feature of the interior being the outstandingly fine carved and
moulded ceiling to the central 2-bay ground-floor hall, some parts of which have
been recently exposed. The main cross-beams have multiple roll-mouldings
combined with 2 rows of running-leaf design which terminate in leaf-stops. At the
intersection of these main beams is a large carving of a standing angel with
outstretched wings, surrounded by an ornate canopy: he wears flowing robes, and
carries a blank shield. The joists are of triangular section and also have
multiple roll-mouldings which terminate in leaf-stops with a central motif, varying from
one joist to another: flowers, fruit, figures and miniature trees. This amount
of detail on joist stops is very unusual. The cambered fireplace lintel, slightly
damaged by later plastering, has a lower narrow band of running-leaf carving and a
wider upper band in a different leaf design, the 2 separated by a double band of
embattled ornament; in the centre of the top band is a shield bearing the Mowbray
crest of a lion rampant. The remaining framing of the main range is plain, with
only the main components visible; the roof is inaccessible. The rear range is in
3 sections, that nearest the main house in 2 bays, into one of which a straight
flight of stairs has been inserted. On the ground floor the main beam, cut back for
later render, has supporting brackets and plain unchamfered joists.

Listing NGR: TL9863436054

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

278575

Legacy System:

LBS

End of official list entry

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