Private residence, Gunnislake, Cornwall
Whimple is a rare survival of a fairly intact 17th century farm group comprising a cross passage house with dual stair turrets and a complete range of 18th and 19th century working farm buildings. The group has now recovered its historic plan form, the structure has been repaired and consolidated, and simple and restrained services and fittings discreetly incorporated.
Granite flagstone floors have been supplemented where lost by polished concrete, the main chambers and stair turrets have been repaired and reinstated, the through passage panelling repaired and the lost porch chamber rebuilt.
The yards to the North and South have been re-established and repaired and the significance of the cross passage as the link between landscape, working farm and private space re-made.
Externally, the group had lost its magnificent farm setting on the banks of the River Tamar. The Cornish banks and boundaries have now been repaired, and conifers and eucalyptus plantations replaced with traditional Cherry orchards.
Contractor: Darrock & Brown