Historic farmhouse gets Grade II listing

Historic farmhouse gets Grade II listing

Housing, planning and environment news, News

A farmhouse on Stonards Farm in Epping has been designated as a Grade II listed building for its special architectural and historical interest.

The site existed as a farmstead at least as early as 1427. It was given to a charity to provide support for the poor and for apprentices in the parish of Theydon Garnon. Although the administration of that charitable settlement would later change, the land itself has never changed hands since its original endowment.

The building is made from timber and red brick with a roof covered in plain tiles. As a historic farmstead there is a strong degree of group value between the house and the various outbuildings constructed around it. The existing farmhouse at Stonards was constructed in the early 1600s with a major period of remodelling in the late 1800s.

Reason for Grade II listing

Architectural interest

  • For its vernacular architecture and craftsmanship, particularly the survival of the early 17th century chimney stack and fireplaces
  • For the layering of architectural phases, including the late 19th century southern range with its surviving fixtures

Historic interest

  • For its documented history since 1427
  • As an example of a 17th century lobby-entry vernacular house, extended in the later 19th century

Historic England

You can find a comprehensive description of the historic and architectural significance of Stonards Farm on the National Heritage List for England on Historic England’s website:

Grade II listing

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport added the Stonards Farm (house), located on Stonards Hill in Epping to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, on 20 June 2025.

The building is now listed at Grade II under the provisions of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. List Entry Number 1486983.

A beautiful building we can be proud of

Getting a Grade II listing means Stonards Farm it is now protected as part of our district’s and nation’s heritage.

The current buildings date back to the early 17th century but remarkably the site existed as a farmstead at least as early as 1427. It was then given to a charity with a long and rich history of helping those in need in the area.

The Stonards Farmhouse is a beautiful building we can be proud of, the Garde II listing ensures the building’s special character is preserved for future generations.

Councillor Ken Williamson, Shaping our District portfolio holder

Find out more

If you have any questions contact Epping Forest District Councils Conservation team, email ContactLB@EppingForestDC.gov.uk.

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