Ramhurst Oast

The conventional layout of Ramshurst Oast (two roundels set off the face of one of the longer elevations of the stowage barn) is obscured by two fairly modern extensions. It is believed that a third roundel existed at some stage of its history but there is no sign of this on either the 1870 or 1908 OS maps, both of which clearly show two roundels. Both current roundels are built in Flemish Garden Wall bond and measure just under 20 ft. in external diameter; one has dentelles and the other does not. Uniquely amongst Leigh oasts, both roundels have a very narrow and shallow gully around their circumference at ground level, presumably to facilitate the drainage of rainwater which, given the absence of guttering, drops straight off the conical roofs.

Conversion to a domestic residence took place in 1965. It would be invidious to pass comment on different conversion designs (those who live in glasshouses and all that...) but it is worth observing that the current conservationists have a very different view on white paintwork and projecting roof windows to their predecessors in the '60s! The upper floors to the roundels here are located at the same height as the old drying floors, i.e. a foot or two under the eaves, and as a result the windows protrude from the conical roofs. Internally this arrangement offers an interesting array of different levels. The upper room in the barn is totally dedicated to a living room, exposing the three cross beams supporting the roof trusses and affording splendid views. Steps go up to a bedroom located in one of the roundels at roughly the same level as the drying floor, thus replicating quite closely the original relativity between the floors.