The four very recently restored free settlers cottages, Willow, Oak, Cherry Tree and Medlar will appeal to groups or friends travelling together.
Similarly furnished self contained accommodation, with new bathrooms and kitchens added to original sitting rooms, DVD players and upstairs, loft-style bedrooms, they are situated in blocks of two. Doors can be opened to connect each pair if desired.
History
These free settlers' cottages were built in pairs, by convict labour, around the 1840s when the estate was at its most active, to provide simple accommodation for the estate workers. The cottages have stone foundations and were built from bricks made on the estate. Of the original six (3 duplexes) only five exist. Prior to restoration in 2001, the cottages were in very poor condition.
The upgraded work included wind-bracing, installation of tension bars, damp coursing, new stair case, floors repaired or replaced, re-pointing of brickwork. In addition, the first floor of all cottages were lowered several brick levels to provide sufficient headroom in the first floor bedroom and weatherboard extensions were added to contain a kitchen and bathroom.
The single cottage was stablised structurally but not adapted for accommodation. This cottage will eventually be used for interpretation.
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