Source/Archive record SEM8586 - Coombe Farm Barns, Brendon and Countisbury, Exmoor, Devon: Historic building recording

South West Archaeology Ltd. was commissioned to undertake building recording on two barns at Coombe Farm, Brendon and Countisbury, Exmoor, Devon. This work was undertaken in advance of the proposed conversion and development of the barns to set the buildings in their historical and archaeological context. The mid to late 19th century remodelling and expansion this farmstead received is probably connected to its purchase by the Halliday family to form part of the Glenthorne estate, the major changes happening between the 1841 Tithe Map and 1880s 1st Edition OS Map. The core of the farmhouse is of 17th century date, and the proposal site once formed part of the former house. The barns which abut the farmhouse certainly predate this Glenthorne estate phase; however the significant works they received at that time have obscured their possibly more interesting origin. It is clear that Barn 1, known as the 'turf house' was considered part of the farmhouse range in the 1840s and with the reuse of the 17th century beams bracing the loft it could certainly be used to store an immense weight. Barn 2's modern concrete overhaul forming cattle pens has obscured any details which indicate even its 19th century use, but again its relationship to Barn 1 is such that we can suggest it too has an earlier (17th century) origin. Both buildings would appear to have had an outbuilding or service function to the main house, with their agricultural functions being a secondary phase. Both barns were largely re-built in the 19th century, and significantly altered in the 20th century.