Listed Building: THE DOWNS FARMHOUSE (278575)

THE DOWNS 1. 5377 Stoke-by-Nayland The Downs Farmhouse TL 9836 24/833 II G.V. This item shall be upgraded to grade II*(Star). The description shall be amended to read: 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. THE DOWNS 1. 5377 Stoke-by-Nayland The Downs Farmhouse TL 9836 24/833 II GV 2. A C17-C18 timber-framed and plastered house. 2 storeys. 4 window range, the windows on the 1st storey are casements with leaded lights and on the ground storey there are 2 double-hung sashes with glazing bars and 1 mullioned and transomed casement with leaded lights. Roof tiled. Listing NGR: TL9863436054