Fays Cottage

Fays Cottage is a cottage, mainly from the 17th century, with several builds and a 20th-century rear extension along with other 20th-century alterations. It was originally timber framed and plastered, but part of it was clad in brick in the late 18th century. The roof is covered with red plain tiles and has two levels, with one storey on the left side and one storey plus an attic with a catslide dormer window on the right. The front features a range of four windows, which include two-light, 20th-century casements, as well as one original 17th-century window. There are two red brick chimney stacks.

Inside, the principal timbers from the 17th-century building remain, including wall posts, the floor frame, widely chamfered bridging beams, the wall plate, and the principal rafters. The layout consists of two rooms with a winding stair and a partly rebuilt inglenook fireplace.

Historically, this cottage was left by Robert Bourne of Blake Hall in his will, which was proved on December 14, 1666. The rent from the property was designated to provide clothing for the poor and needy of the parish at Christmas indefinitely. In the late 18th century, it served as the Parish Poor House. A tablet commemorating Bourne's Charity was erected in Bobbingworth Church on March 29, 1832, and it remains on the west wall of the church.

Fays Cottage is significant as a 17th-century timber-framed structure with 18th and 20th-century alterations and extensions. Buildings from before 1700 that retain a significant amount of their original fabric are often considered for designation. For vernacular buildings, keeping the original layout, construction, and materials are also important. Fays Cottage maintains a significant portion of its 17th-century timber framing and a clear plan form.