West Farmhouse, Broomley

Description

A substantial farmhouse at the west end of Broomley village, on the north side of the road. Its broad and low two storey three-bay front elevation belies a complex building history. The unusually broad low pitched roof covers a double span plan; the western part of the front (south) span is the oldest section, largely of early to mid 18th century date but incorporating an east end wall, set at a slightly skew angle, which is markedly thicker (0.85m) than any other wall in the house. The eastern extension of the front span may be of late 18th century or early 19th century date; the rear span is later 19th century, although probably replacing an earlier outshut. Alterations in 1994 saw considerable internal changes, including the removal of a plain 18th century stair in the oldest part.
The thick end wall of the earliest section, of roughly squared masonry, is probably a remnant of an earlier defensible house, most likely a bastle.
Built into the external face of the west wall is a slab with an impressive relief carving of a dolphin. It is 17th/18th century work, or perhaps Roman? It is certainly reused in its present context (Ryder 1994-5).
The carving of the dolphin has been examined. This is thought definitely not Roman and more likely 17th century in date (Lindsay Allason-Jones, Newcastle University, 14-Aug-2013). (Northumberland HER)

House, mid-C18 perhaps incorporating earlier fabric, extended to rear in early C19. Rubble with squared stone front, roughly-cut quoins, dressings; slate roof. 2 storeys, 3 wide bays, slightly irregular. Left-of-centre flush- panelled door; 16-pane sashes except tripartite sash to ground floor right; all openings in raised chamfered surrounds. Coped gables with stone end stacks, that to left reduced. Set back to right single-storey bay with 16-pane sash in tooled-and-margined alternating-block surround; coped gable with stepped end stack. Returns show broad low-pitched gables; built into left return, low down and left of centre, stone with relief carving of dolphin, probably C18. Rear elevation shows boarded door and various sashes, all with tooled-and- margined dressings.
Interior not seen; some walls said to be more than 1 metre thick. (Listed Building Report)