Gable Cottage the Gables

Gable Cottage and The Gables are a pair of houses dating from approximately 1870, built for the Earl of Cranbrook’s Estate, and possibly designed by E.L. Cotman of Ipswich. A 20th-century addition exists at The Gables. The front elevation is of red brick in English bond to the ground floor, with a timber-framed structure featuring rectangular panels and plaster infill to the first floor. The roofs are tiled, with two chimney stacks in the style of the 16th century, constructed from clustered brick and displaying ribbed decorations. Gable Cottage features a large gable with a pendant and finial. The Gables has a projecting gable over the porch on its right side. The first floor of The Gables has three casement windows with chinoiserie leaded lights, while the ground floor features two cambered-headed casements of a similar design. Gable Cottage has a doorcase on its left side with a gable, bargeboards, a finial, and a pendant, as well as a cambered-headed doorcase with a plank door and large iron hinges. The Gables has a gabled weatherboard section with a plank door on its right side. A brick and timber-framed lean-to, with a gable and basement containing leaded lights, is attached to the right side elevation of The Gables. A matching-style 20th-century extension is located on the right side of The Gables. The rear elevation is of two storeys and red brick in English bond. The Gables has one gabled dormer with a pendant and finial, while Gable Cottage has a tile-hung gable with a pendant and a casement with a leaded light. The first floor of Gable Cottage has four mullioned windows with leaded lights, while the ground floor has one cambered arched window with leaded lights. The Gables’ windows have been largely altered, including the incorporation of a 20th-century bay. The roof covering includes S-shaped iron tiles. Inside Gable Cottage, a round-headed alcove serves as a lounge, and the upper section of the staircase has square balusters and a columned newel. The buildings are included for group value.