Stone Farm, Exford

Stone Farm, Exford

This farm was a small Saxon estate held by a man called Brictric in 1066 and twenty years later by Roger de Courcelles who held many manors in the area.

The farmhouse may have been rebuilt in 1678, as a datestone is reset in the rear of the building. The present house was built in the 18th century probably for Sir Thomas Acland who purchased the lease of the forest in 1795. The layout with central hall and servants' wing to the rear as well as the design details including Venetian windows, lunette windows in the attic, and double front doors with fanlight, clearly indicate this was not intended to be a farmhouse but a country residence.

However, during the 19th-century, following the sale of the forest, the house became the centre of a 500-acre farm. In 1851 seven labourers were employed, three of whom and the cow boy lived in the house. By 1881 the farm had increased to 800 a. and the house was occupied by a bailiff and three servants.

A large range of farmbuildings was built in the mid 19th century at a distance from the house. Among the many specialised buildings is a bank barn. Most buildings were intended to house cattle.

The buildings have been altered for 20th-century use including the stable in the upper yard which was refitted at the end of the 20th century.