14 AND 15, SAND LANE

A pair of cottages located in Sand Lane, Northill, dates to the 17th and 18th centuries, originally built as a three-room farmhouse. The cottages are timber-framed with brick and plaster infill, and have roughcast render and thatched roofs, with clay tiles on later additions. The original thatched block is one storey with attics, and has a three-room plan. There is a thatched extension to the rear center. Number 15 has a clay-tiled extension to the west and a single-storey rear extension. The north elevation is single storey with attics and a thatched roof, featuring a brick chimney stack centrally located. Number 14 has a plank door with strap hinges, a two-light sliding sash window with glazing bars, and a two-light casement. Number 15 has a modern door and a two-light casement. Two eyebrow dormers, each with two lights—one a leaded casement—are present. Number 15’s extensions have modern windows. The rear (south) elevation showcases a modern extension with a thatched gabled roof, and a leaded casement window on the ground floor of Number 15.

The interior of the original block retains much of its original timber framing, including chamfered main beams with run-out stops. Number 14 features a large brick inglenook fireplace with a chamfered bressumer. The gable end framing of Number 14 is visible from the interior of Number 13. Originally built as a farmhouse, the building was subdivided into two cottages by the 19th century, as illustrated on an 1883 Ordnance Survey map. A thatched rear extension was added in the 20th century. Number 13 Sand Lane has been substantially altered and lacks significant architectural or historic interest. The pair of cottages are designated at Grade II for being a well-preserved example of a 17th and 18th century thatched farmhouse with almost complete timber framing.