159, Botley Road

This is an early 17th-century timber-framed cottage situated on Botley Road, Swanwick. The original structure has substantial timber framing with red brick infilling, though some panels are now plastered. The roof is thatched, with a low profile over the single-story southern section, and a single-story timber-framed outshut to the north, covered with pantiles. A central chimney stack is present, along with a thatched porch. The cottage is 1 and a half stories high, featuring a single dormer window and three windows in total.

Inside, the walls display exposed square panel framing, with remnants of original wattle and daub infill. Thick ceilings of mud and straw are also visible. The cottage contains Jacobean fireplaces, and historical features including a former bread oven and a cast iron fireback dating from the early 17th century, discovered beneath a later grate. An original staircase, with unusual triangular blocks of oak forming the steps, has been replaced with a modern staircase. Some, possibly earlier, moulded and stopped ceiling beams remain. The roof structure includes collars, tie beams, and wind braces. Low doorways give access to the upper floor.

Historically, the cottage was associated with the Harper family, who formerly owned the village forge, which was located opposite the cottage but has since been demolished.