Mid 20th century model farm, Spain's End Farm, Finchingfield (EHER 40449)

This model farm complex appears to date to the interwar years, possibly the 1920s. Although adopting a model farm layout, the farm post-dates the model farm movement and shows a break with architectural embellishment and combining beauty with function, which is evident in the earlier model farms. The buildings are very plain and reflect the mood after the First World War, when economy and cost were more important than appearance. Appearing to date to the interwar years, possibly the 1920s. Although adopting a model farm layout the farm post-dates the model farm movement and shows a break with architectural embellishment and combining beauty with function, which is evident in the earlier model farms. The buildings are very plain and reflect the mood after the First World War, when economy and cost were more important than appearance.

2004. Building survey. The farm buildings all appear to be roughly contemporary, appearing to date to the interwar years, possibly the 1920s. Although adopting a model farm layout the farm post-dates the model farm movement and shows a break with architectural embellishment and combining beauty with function, which is evident in the earlier model farms. The buildings are very plain and reflect the mood after the First World War, when economy and cost were more important than appearance. With lighting, ventilation and drainage the top priorities, it is not surprising that the farm buildings are plain and utilitarian. The east yard appears to have housed cattle, with the west yard used for manure. A stable block, possibly for working horses and a food store are also located in this yard. Adjoining these buildings are open shelters facing away from the yard, presumably for housing machinery. The west yard contains two animal shelters for cattle, possibly held here for milking. The tank room appears to have been multifunctional but may once have been a dairy. There is also a feed store and stable/isolation box accessed from outside the yard, possibly for a riding horse. <1>