1, Thatched Cottages, Whitenap

Builder: Patterson & Clarke

Date: 1986–1987

This 17th century semi-detached cottage, whilst not under threat of demolition, had been neglected for some time and the quality of renovation work carried out previously, both to the exterior and to the interior, had been of an inferior standard. Concrete tiles that had been applied to the west elevation were removed and the interior, in which plastic laminates dominated, was gutted and refurbished with period doors and fittings.

The renovation proved to be somewhat more difficult than anticipated and major rebuilding of the front elevation, including its timber frame, was necessary. A new porch was constructed and the roof was thatched with reed. The completed scheme blends sympathetically with the adjoining property and the exterior transformation, in particular, has made this one of The Trust’s most successful projects.

Indeed, the Architectural Heritage Fund used an outside photograph of the cottage on the front of their 1987 Annual report!  However, despite this successful conclusion, the Trust would have made a considerable loss on the project but for the considerable inflation in house prices at the time.