The History of Farndon Thatch

Over the past 500 years the house and land have had a varied number of occupiers and usage. In the 18th and 19th C, it was the site of a ‘saw pit’. Timber would be brought in from the surrounding areas and cut by hand. Positioned over the deep pit and using long two-handled saws, lumber would be sawn first into planks, then cut down to boards, pales, posts, etc. We understand that equipment was removed from the property as late as the 1970’s and taken to a rural museum.

In later years the land was the site of a wheelwright, a coffin maker and a stone mason’s yard. In the garden today you will still see the remains of Victorian church filials placed at strategic points of interest!

Although there are the inevitable later additions, the house still retains much of its original character and feel, with reed thatch, large fireplaces with woodburing stoves, and exposed beams on the ceilings and walls. The 2ft thick walls are built of the local Moolham stone (quarried in Ilminster) and contain ammonites and a variety of shells, displaying the watery past that the sea played in the history of the Somerset Levels over 6000 years ago.

The central part of the old house is the screened passage, a unique elm panelled hall dating back to the late 1400’s. The oak front door dates back to the mid 1700’s. Despite its age the ceiling heights are higher than usual as the roof shows signs of having been raised.

In the early 1970’s the attached stone and timber barn collapsed in a storm and was incorporated into the house when rebuilt. It is now a stunning kitchen/dining room with oak French windows overlooking the garden and the fine views. After an amazing 34 year life, the roof was retatched at the end of 2008 and looks fabulous!