Building Survey at Barns at Coombe Farm, Loxhore. Barnstaple, Devon

The historic building recording was conducted by E. Wapshott and A. Allen in September 2021. The work was undertaken in line with best practice and follows the guidance outlined in Standard and Guidance for the Archaeological Investigation and Recording of Standing Buildings or Structures (CIfA 2014) and Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Processes (Historic England 2016). The discussion of setting follows the approaches outlined in the appropriate guidance (e.g., DoT guidance and Historic England 2015). Overall the scheme is broadly supported; the architectural style is responsive to the vernacular materials and aesthetics of the buildings. The more significant elements like the glass link and glass kitchen are supported, believed to be innovative and in time will potentially beneficially contribute to the narrative of the farmstead, representing the 21st century phase. The current approach internally to B4 and B5 is acknowledged as placing a heavy burden of change of sensitive buildings but their retention as of service function does allow for the overall farmsteads narrative to be retained. The site is rich in historic fabric, and it is very likely further archaeological deposits lie beneath ground level, particularly the cobbles of B7a, the yard floor of B7b and under the historic floor s in B4 and B5. The archaeological potential is considered to be High . It is recommended that the conversion works are monitored closely by an archaeologist to check below surface deposits . Furthermore, the site could not be fully recorded in places due the overgrown nature of some elements , particularly B3, and the abundance of items stored within the buildings which prevented full a ccess . It is recommended the linear range, including B4, B5 and B6 are fully recorded once st ored items are removed ; especially in light of the current plans which will affect these buildings the most . In p articular, full recording of the stack of B5 is recommended as it may give further clues to the original build and alterations mad e after 1843. The yard area which frames B2 contains a series of drains and culverts which need to be understood and recorded before works in case of damage and loss and to ensure we understand how the privy functioned within the wider engineered landscape with the adj acent field having a series of spill leats.