MSO9323 - Ashway Farmhouse, Dulverton (Building)

[SS 8687 3024] Ashway (NAT) [1] Ashway Farmhouse was possibly enlarged in the 17th century and extensively altered in the early 19th century, then refenestrated in the early 20th century. The building is roughcast over rubble, with parallel range slate roofs, overhanging eaves, end gables, and two external stone stacks. It was possibly a two cell and cross passage with a parallel range at the rear and a staircase inserted in through the passage. There are two storeys, four windows and a central gabled porch. The interior is much altered. It is listed primarily for historical interest as the birthplace of Sir George Williams (1821-1905), who founded the Young Mens Christian Association (YMCA) in 1844. A plaque commemorates him on the facade. [2] Ashway Farmhouse is a double depth house, which is built across the hillslope. It faces south across a walled front garden, the front end of which is built up with revetment walls. There is a narrow service yard off the drive at the back of the house. [3] The farmhouse was visited in January 1997. It was thought to be 19th Century in date, with one gable end in rubble stone and the other slate hung. The front had been refenestrated and painted. [4] The building was visited in February 2012 as part of the rapid condition survey of Exmoor's Listed Buildings 2012-13. It received a BAR score of 6. [7] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [8] The building was assessed as part of the 2018-19 rapid condition survey of Exmoor’s Listed Buildings, receiving a BAR score of 6. [9]