Fernlea

Fernlea is a cottage built around 1770, with alterations and an extension made around 1845. During the 1845 changes, it is likely that one bay on the left side was demolished and a substantial wing was added. The cottage is constructed of local brick in English bond and features a reed thatch roof with a tumbled gable end parapet. It has an original ridge stack and a slightly later end stack. The building is one storey with an attic and includes one dormer. The doorway has segmental arches made of header bricks and features the original six raised and fielded panelled door, along with two original window openings, one of which is partially blocked. The gable end displays a red brick diaper pattern that is similar to that of the Rectory in Coates, which dates to 1774. The 1845 addition is made of amber gault brick, also in English bond, and has a low pitch slate roof. This part of the building is two storeys high and includes the original doorway with a raised and fielded panelled door, as well as one hung sash window on each storey. Inside, there is a partition wall lined with vertical panelling featuring raised and fielded panels on two doors. This vertical panelling, dating to around 1770, resembles that found at Nos. 2 and 3, The Bower in Whittlesey.