Fountain Cottages

A pair of cottages, likely dating from the 18th or early 19th century. They are timber-framed and sit on red brick footings with burnt headers. The majority of the walls are clad in peg-tile, with some outshots weatherboarded. The brick stack has a brick chimneyshaft, and the roof is tiled with pegs.

Originally built as small cottages for labourers situated on a hillside facing southeast towards Groombridge Place. Each cottage has a mirrored plan. The original design incorporated a single room with a corner diagonal fireplace served by a rear lateral stack. Later, in the 20th century, lean-to additions were built to the rear. Entrance is through lean-to additions at each end, and these later additions provide service areas.

The main block is two storeys high with attic space within the roof. The front of the cottages has a two-window facade featuring timber casement windows with rectangular panes of leaded glass. Similar windows are found on the other sides, some containing diamond-shaped panes. These windows are mostly 19th century, although some may be original. The roof is gable-ended. Doorways within the end lean-to additions feature 20th-century plank doors.

The interior features plain carpentry where visible. The roof was not inspected at the time of survey.

These attractive cottages are situated on Groombridge Hill and contribute to a noteworthy group of listed buildings above Old Groombridge village.