19th century house at The Cottages, Bures Road, Lamarsh (EHER 80274)

The house is of typical mid 19th century construction. The cottage is either an agricultural workers house or a house built by a private person who chose and purchased this location atop a hill with views across the surrounding countryside.

February 2020. Level 2 building survey. Built in red brick in the traditional Flemish bond style with alternate burnt-faced headers, the style of the cottage is typical for the early-mid 19th century. The first phase consisted of a two up and two down configuration and was most likely intended as a single dwelling. The plain tile roof is also typical of buildings dating to pre-railway days of the early to mid 19th century, where after slate roofs become more common on domestic dwellings. The interior of the original house has been completely modernised leaving no original features that might have existed. The modern entrance within the second phase of construction leads to a living room and a summer room. The kitchen area is situated in what was the extended part of the house. This phase appears to be a mid 19th century modernisation or extension of the house, allowing extra space on both floors and was built as an L-shaped arrangement. On the first floor a bathroom and a further bedroom was probably originally two further bedrooms or storage rooms as the bathroom/toilet would still be outside at this time. A small extension to the east gable end was most likely added at the same time as phase 2 plan as part of the up-grading of the house; it is rather small and is most likely a small lobby entrance; however, no evidence of there ever having been a doorway could be seen. Two extensions were added in the mid and late 20th century that were not closely documented. In respect of the house's position on the top of a hill, a private individual may have decided to build here for its evidently attractive aspect. The cottages is either an agricultural workers house or a house built by a private person who chose and purchased this location atop a hill with views across the surrounding countryside. <1>