Listed Building: BUCES (281613)

MENDLESHAM TM 16 NW 3/28 Buces -- II Manor farmhouse. C16, in 2 phases. Altered mid C19 following a fire which destroyed a section to the left, probably the parlour cell; a brick on the left stack is inscribed 'RF 1862'. Timber framed, the facade and left gable end cased in white brick, the left gable end in red brick, the rear rendered. Plaintiled roof. A 2-cell range of exceptional width (over 8m). 2 storeys and attic. 3 windows, mid C20 replacement inset sashes with glazing bars under segmental arches. Central gabled porch, contemporary with facade: ornamental bargeboards, open entrance with semi-circular arch; mid C20 door within. Gable stacks. To right, a tall screen wall of gault brick with former coach house behind. C19 red brick wing to rear. Interior. Large 2- bay hall has roll-moulded cross beams (one mostly encased), joists and mid rail; the right bay has been altered by the insertion of a mid C19 stair and only the floorbeam is visible. An area at the rear of the hall in the left bay was divided off and treated in a plainer manner, the mid rail and bridging beam with a simple chamfer; the roll-moulded joists, identical to those in the hall, are probably re-used from the parlour cell lost in C19. The partition wall dividing off this area was studded for only a third of its length, the external wall being treated in a similar manner; the reason for this is unclear. Hall chamber has good studding with evidence for original windows. Flat central tie beam with massive shallow braces, one missing. C17 upper ceiling has chamfered on-edge joists; a contemporary partition to rear probably formed an access corridor. Timbers in right cell only visible on upper floor: heavy studs in front wall but no evidence for pegging; attic floor has joists set flat. Wind-braced butt purlin roof over hall, roof over right cell reconstructed C18; both sections re-use some sooted medieval rafters. Listing NGR: TM1153865892