Oak, Willow, Cherry Tree and Medlar Cottages
The four very recently restored free settlers cottages, Willow, Oak, Cherry
Tree and Medlar have been made to appeal to groups of friends travelling together.
Similarly furnished, 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.
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History
These free settlers' cottages were built in pairs, possibly 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.
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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 be used for interpretation.
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