Dovecote Approximately 95 Metres To North West Of Garden Cottage

The dovecote, dated 1656, is located approximately 95 metres northwest of Garden Cottage in Hodnet Park. It is constructed of red brick in English bond, featuring some vitrified headers and grey sandstone ashlar dressings. The roof is plain tiled. The structure has a brick plinth, flush stone quoins, and a moulded stone string course with a band of recessed lozenge-shaped panels above, which showed evidence of former render during a survey in April 1986. The gable ends are parapeted with stone copings and moulded stone kneelers.

At the center, there is a square wooden glover with segmental-arched openings and a pyramidal roof topped with a finial. The dovecote is one storey with a loft, and each gable end features a 2-light double-chamfered mullioned stone loft window, with a pair of recessed diaper panels above each window, also showing evidence of former render at the time of the survey.

A boarded door is located on the north side, equipped with strap hinges and a chamfered stone surround with stops, topped by a large cambered lintel. Above the door are three recessed arched panels with impost blocks and keystones; the central panel is larger and contains a smaller recessed panel with a billet-ornamented terracotta surround and the inscription: "TM 1656 IM". The left-hand panel retains remains of a carved stone or terracotta head, with evidence of former render in each panel noted during the survey. There is likely a mid-19th century segmental-headed doorway inserted on the south side.

Inside, there are two ground-floor chambers, with the southern chamber containing brick nesting boxes built into the walls. The northern chamber and loft were not inspected. Garden Cottage is not included in this listing.