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| This dwelling, was formerly in the Parish of Bickenhall until the late 1970's. The original site was occupied by a single thatched cottage, built of dressed blue lias stone by the Portmans in the early 18th century. Additional cottages, one built of flint and rubble stone and the other of blue lias stone were added either side of the main cottage - visible when looking at the front of the property. The dwellings were known as Forest Cottages. The main cottage and the cottage furthest from the road were later altered internally to make one dwelling. The cottages were sold freehold together with the acre and a half of garden to John Yard in 1803, the cottage nearest the road was still called Forest Cottage, but the other became Blackdown Cottage. At the beginning of the 20th century the thatched roof was replaced with slates and tiles and all the cottages rendered. The whole property was conjoined in 1983 and is now known as Blackdown Cottage. During 1983 all the rendering was removed, exposing the original stonework which was pointed and treated. The entire roof was removed and replaced with Welsh slate. The property originally had a fairly deep well, however it was located in the middle of the entrance drive, between the main gateposts ! - consequently it is now covered over by the concrete driveway. |
