18th century cottage ornee, South Derbyshire

published 6 May 2010

Originally built around 1774, this unusual cottage ornee is thought to have been altered in the middle of the 19th century. It was then left more or less untouched until the 21st century. The significant restoration project undertaken by the current owners has seen a building in advanced decay brought back to life with sensitivity and good craftsmanship. Unusual features include cavity walls (of single leaf brickwork on the interior and second hand timber framing on the exterior), most of which have survived and which, as well as providing bracing also allowed the house?s shutters to slide invisibly away. The bedroom also featured a pull out bed, concealed behind the dado in the upper room, which has been retained during the restoration

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