Farmhouse, Coombe End Farm

Summary

A large brick farmhouse with a tiled roof. Appears to be 19th century but incorporates some earlier, 17th century features. It stands at the head of the coombe, looking south over the Thames valley. It has a laarge walled garden on the south side. There is a small pond near to the house on the east side.

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Description

Coombe End Farmhouse graphically illustrates many of the changes in domestic lifestyles and architectural taste that have taken place over the last three centuries. The plan form with the 18th century reception rooms to the south and the main stairs, the 19th century service wing and back stairs to the north and the 1904 dining room wing designed by C.R.Ashbee in the Arts and Crafts style for which he is renowned are all important elements in the history of the house. Important specific features include the 17th century moulded beams, the 18th and 19th century period fireplaces, the period doors, leaded casements and lead pipehead.
Structural development (conjectural only):-
Phase 1: 17th century plan form unknown. Surviving portions are incorporated into the south west section of the house. Built in flint with brick dressings, possibly with hipped roof. Moulded beams survive in situ in rooms 8,19 and cellar A.
Phase 2: 18th century major extension - the south east portion- thereby creating a double pile house. Later a window arch on the first floor south corner collapsed and two
of the windows were replaced by tall sashes under
rubbed brick arches. At the end of the 18th century
further refurbishment was carried out; lead pipework
is dated 1790 and most of the fire surrounds date from
this time.
Phase 3: 19th century construction of service wing to the north
with second cellar and further remodelling of the older
part. Visible on the Tithe Map of 1848.
Phase 4: 20th century work carried out for Sir Rickman and Lady
Godlee.
1. construction of dining room wing and larder in 1904
(Ashbee work)
2. construction of library, north lobby and linking
passage in 1920
3. larder block extended and built up to three storeys
after 1920
Phase 4a: 20th century alterations carried out under the tenancy
of Mr.Gibson.
1. passage way of 1920 demolished
2. partition wall between two reception rooms removed to create large open-plan room (10)

G.Guy. Vernacular Building Survey. March 1989.

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