Disappearing wall

[kevmiles1]

I am in Devon and did come across what sounds like a very similar mechanism to yours in another property in east devon, although I doubt the location is significant, although it was fascinating to see it. Would love to see some pictures and see wether they are similar, who knows they might even have been built by the same method or even craftsmen

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Yes, the house is listed, but the wall is not mentioned, it appears to have been a concealed secret.

As the house is already listed, and this is so unusual a feature, I wonder if it's worthy of an amendment to the listing description?

Does that ever happen? (Gareth!)

As you know, EH are preoccupied with other things at the moment, but having found the list description it appears there wasn't an internal inspection. It would be worth letting them know, though (a nearby house altered in the 1930s by the same architect has a long description of a very interesting - sounding interior, but no mention of a descending wall there)

 

[Coombe]

I am in Devon and did come across what sounds like a very similar mechanism to yours in another property in east devon, although I doubt the location is significant, although it was fascinating to see it. Would love to see some pictures and see wether they are similar, who knows they might even have been built by the same method or even craftsmen

I would love to know the location of this house. Was the mechanism to lower a partition wall? I will upload photos tomorrow.

 

[Coombe]

Does the floor slide away too to reveal a tank full of sharks?

with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads...

Sorry, sadly not, just a brick lined void with a few sleepy spiders!

 

[chuckey]

Really fascinating! have you looked for a cellar or entrance to the "lowering pit"? it just seems to me that if the wall ever dropped down or had to be maintained, access to the underground works (track, buffers/end stop) would be handy. Or to jack the wall up to replace the supporting wire.
Frank

 

[Penners]

have you looked for a cellar or entrance to the "lowering pit"?

And did you find any pendulums down there? :shock:

 

[Coombe]

Really fascinating! have you looked for a cellar or entrance to the "lowering pit"? it just seems to me that if the wall ever dropped down or had to be maintained, access to the underground works (track, buffers/end stop) would be handy. Or to jack the wall up to replace the supporting wire.
Frank

Interesting you mention a cellar. We are convinced that there would have been one. When we moved in we had the many chimneys cleaned, and the sweep commented that one of the chimneys to the hall had 3 flues, but he could only trace 2. He said the 3rd was in the cellar, but as yet we have not found it. There was nothing obvious in respect of an inspection hatch for the wall.
Sarah

 

[yamin]

Sarah, how fascinating! Can't wait to see pics!

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Sarah - welcome to the forum.

That sounds a really interesting find.

I'm afraid that my compatriots on here are a rather shy and reticent bunch and they won't have mentioned it - but do you think it would be possible to post some pictures?

8)

Robin

 

[yamin]

:lol:

 

[Penners]

my compatriots

'Scuse me, FW. Have a look at a map and check which side of Offa's Dyke Suffolk lies.



Cue a plethora of dubious dyke jokes.....

 

[CatherineB]

I have been very restrained and not begged (like the others) but I too am DESPERATE for pictures, Sarah! :shock:

PS Welcome!

PPS Never mind Penners, you'll get used to him, we all do! (Just don't mention his back...) :roll:

 

[yamin]

Cue a plethora of dubious dyke jokes...

:? Not sure what you mean Penners! However, i had to comment as I adore the word 'plethora' and vow to use it at least once per day in 2011.

 

[Carol]

You will need to send some pictures to the lovely folk at EH to get your listing adjusted so could you please post them here too?

Seriously, we were impressed with the old DCMS who sent a chap hotfoot from London to examine our beams which were unearthed behind plasterboard. It is well worth asking or at least writing them a note telling them of your find.

 

[Onetap]

Video! Youtube! Now! Please.

 

[Coombe]

Sorry it took so long to post a photo, I kept getting a message saying the files were too big. I have managed to reduce the size of one, and I am creating a flickr file with other photos in it. I will post a link.
Sarah

 

[CatherineB]

What fantastic panelling, Sarah! I can't wait to see more...

And what a wonderful excuse your friends now have for expecting you to host lots of parties :wink:

 

[MdB]

Wow! :shock: :shock:

Sorry it took so long to post a photo, I kept getting a message saying the files were too big. I have managed to reduce the size of one, and I am creating a flickr file with other photos in it. I will post a link.
Sarah

If you PM me the name of your Flickr account, I can show you how to post the pictures here if you have troubles. With Flickr, it isn't completely straight forward but at least you don't have to worry about resizing.

 

[JoceAndChris]

A great piccy of your treasure - thanks for sharing it.

Is it a real fireplace?

 

[johnandrew]

Joce,

I thought it was a fireplace but Coombe mentions a big oak door in her first post - it must be the architrave around the door.