Building record HLY 187 - Virtue's Farm (LA) HIA

2007: Virtues Farm is a grade II listed Georgian brick building of considerable historic significance. Its interest lies partly in individual architectural features, such as its fine atir tower, but chiefly in the evidence of its development during the course of the 18th century from a relatively modest farmhouse to a gentleman's residence of some quality. The original building dates from circa 1720 and formed a traditional three-cell property which probably poccessed a lobby entrance and newel stair, together with a rear lean-tothat extended only as far as the parlour at the right-hand (southern) end of the house. Rear lean-tos of this type were commonly attached to 17th and 18th century farmhouses, where they served as dairies or butteries, but most were later rebuilt or provided with additional storeys and the example here represents a rare survival that preserves the orginal asymmetrical appearance of the building. A major alteration occurred around 1790 when the principal chimney was wholly or partly rebuilt to accommodate a narrow central passage that permitted direct access from the entrance to a new brick stair tower that retains its 'stick' baluster staircase and original casement window along with a fine pedimented external door. At the same period, or perhaps shortly before, a narrow brick wing was added to the front of the house in an apparent attempt to divide a newly symmetrical front elevation and walled garden to the south from the stable yard to the north. A wide aperture in its northern elevation suggests the presence of a porch-like approach to a new 'tradesman's' entrance, and a nearly small window may well have served as an office counter. These unusual features are consistent with the history of the property which is understood to have been occupied by the manager of a large estate at this time. In the early-19th century the wide aperture was blocked by a doorway of noral propoertions and a good internal stair (S1).