Merry Madcap And Two Adjoining Cottages

The property comprises three cottages: Merry Madcap, and two adjoining cottages to its right. Merry Madcap dates to the 17th century, while the two adjacent cottages were built in the mid-18th century. The right bay of Merry Madcap retains light timber framing with brick infill, while the left bay exhibits uncoursed sarsen rubble walling. The other two cottages are constructed of chalk ashlar, with chalk ashlar bands and quoins, and have uncoursed sarsen rubble to the rear side walls. All cottages are roofed with thatch and have brick stacks. Each cottage has a two-unit plan. The cottages present a 4-window range with 1½ storeys, with timber lintels over three 20th-century planked doors and timber lintels over 20th-century casements. The two cottages built in the mid-18th century have two-light, leaded casements to the first floor. The hipped gabled roof features ridge and end stacks. Inside Merry Madcap, there are chamfered spine beams with run-out stops, a bressumer over the open fire, and a closed timber-framed truss. The other two cottages contain quarter-turn stairs located next to the fireplaces. A late 20th-century extension has been added to the rear of Merry Madcap.