Farmstead record FNN 020 - Farmstead: Elmer Farm

Elmer Farm lies in open countryside approximately 2.5 km north-west of Finningham. Until its enclosure in 1804 the site adjoined the medieval Allwood Green and a rare fragment of it survives between the farmhouse and the modern road. The weatherboarded barn was probably built in or immediately after 1804 when the farm was almost doubled in size. Built in four bays it is of relatively narrow proportions at 4.9 m, reflecting the modest scale of the holding, but is of particular historic interest as it retains an original stable at the eastern end of a three-bay threshing barn. Integral stables of this kind were once common in Suffolk but most were removed to enlarge the main barn in the late-19th and 20th centuries. The internal partition survives largely intact, along with the roughly hewn joists of a hay loft with a hay-drop against the partition and a central entrance in the external gable. The hay rack and manger have been removed. The lean-to rear porch adjoining the threshing bay is also unusual as it appears to have been provided only with a side door which almost certainly relates to the location of a pond shown on 19th century maps that would have obstructed a central doorway. With the exception of its roof, which was replaced in the 20th century and covered with corrugated iron, the timber frame is unusually complete; retaining all four arch-braces to its tie-beams, and the building is a good example of a 'Napoleonic' barn (S1).

Elmer Farm, Finningham. 19th century farmstead and farmhouse. Regular courtyard U-shaped plan formed by working agricultural buildings. The farmhouse is set away from the yard. Partial loss (oveless than 50%) of the traditional farm buildings. Located within a hamlet (S2-7).

Recorded as part of the Farmsteads in the Suffolk Countryside Project. This is a purely desk-based study and no site visits were undertaken. These records are not intended to be a definitive assessment of these buildings. Dating reflects their presence at a point in time on historic maps and there is potential for earlier origins to buildings and farmsteads. This project highlights a potential need for a more in depth field study of farmstead to gather more specific age data.