MDE21301 - Brendon Barton Farmhouse (Building)

Now a farmhouse. Early to mid 17th Century, possibly a remodelling of an earlier house.There is late 19th Century cross wing to the South-West and the lean-to additions are also probably 19th century in date. The building is mainly pebble-dashed coursed rubble stone. Stone fireplace dating to around 1900 in hall, brought in from Coombe House, Porlock in mid to late 20th Century, but retaining late late 19th Century overmantel with key and scrolled brackets. [1] The farmhouse was visited in January 1997. It was described as 'obviously medieval and interesting', unrestored and facing across a narrow garden onto the yard. [2] The building was visited in September 2012 as part of the rapid condition survey of Exmoor's Listed Buildings 2012-13. It received a BAR score of 6. [3] The building was assessed as part of the 2018-19 rapid condition survey of Exmoor’s Listed Buildings, receiving a BAR score of 4. [4] The farmhouse is referenced in the Knight archive, in a letter from John Mogridge to Frederic Wynn Knight dated 2nd May 1844. The letter states that "Brendon Barton Farm House was Burnt last night, supposed the work of an Incendiary." The letter goes on to describe a plan to arrange for men to watch over the thatched building remaining there and increase security on other farms, with a reward of £100 suggested as being offered for further information regarding the fire. Mogridge writes that he is "much distressed at this circumstance." [6] It is implied that the damage from the fire was not major, as the 17th century structure still survives in recognisable form.