Listed Building: LOW FARMHOUSE (281670)

STOKE ASH THE STREET TM 16 NW 3/85 Low Farmhouse -- II Former farmhouse. Late C16 and C17, in 2 phases; later C17 service wing to rear on left. Under renovation at time of survey (September 1987) following a fire which destroyed roof over hall and service cells. 3-cell form. 2 storeys and attic. Timber framed and plastered, thatched roof. Various C19- C20 casement windows. Plank door. Internal stack, the axial shaft rebuilt 1987. l½-storey rear wing has stack against outside wall, in course of rebuilding at time of survey. Shallow-pitched pantiled roof. Interior. Parlour cell to right was undamaged by the fire: frame largely concealed, closely-spaced chamfered joists in lower room, good intact roof with clasped purlins and 2-way wind bracing. Hall and service cells are probably a C17 addition, replacing earlier work. The wallplates of the 2 sections are not jointed. Most of studding concealed. Hall ceiling has plain joists set flat: the bay nearer the stack has very heavy joists, perhaps re-used. Service partition removed and replaced by cross-partition in lower bay of hall. Back- to-back open fireplaces in hall and parlour show lining of mortar joints. Listing NGR: TM1170469930