Building record WKS 037 - Willow House

Willow House lies between the River Dove and the linear hamlet known as The Street. The property can be documented from the late-17th century and formed a smallholding with some 2.5 acres of meadow on the other side of the river. It is likely to have operated as a poultry farm in the mid-19th century and a barn with an adjoining complex of farm buildings was demolished in the 20th century. Several unusually small 19th century sheds survive to the rear, including an example of clay-lump that may have formed a chicken shed and one of the smallest timber-frames structures in the region at just 6.5 ft by 5.5 The timber-framed and thatched house adjoins the road at right angles and was formerly jettied. It dates from circa 1600 and appears to have reflected the standard three-cell layout of the period, but various anomalies suggest a less standard arrangment. A map of 1823 shows a missing wing on the street to the east , and this may have mirrored the narrow jettied projection at grade II*-listed Street Farm on the opposite side of the road. The frame is now largely concealed internally by the plaster of a major refurbishment in the 1820s or 30s that inlcuded the demolition of this roadside wing. The existing leaded-light casement windows were inserted at the same time along with numerous fixture and fittings including fire surrounds and cupboards that form an almost intact late-Goergian interior. The most historically important feature of the property is the bakehouse added to the rear gable of the main house