Batts Garlands

Batts Garlands are two adjoining estate cottages with origins in the mid to late 17th century, altered in the 20th century. The cottages are constructed of flint rubble with thatched roofing; the ridge is plain, hipped at the left end, and gabled at the right end. A stack at the right end serves as a back to back fireplace, and there is an axial stack with a handmade brick shaft. Originally, the cottages comprised a single depth plan of 3 or 4 rooms, and were once four separate cottages. The original plan is not entirely clear, as the building appears to have been truncated at the left (west) end. “Garlands,” the cottage to the left, has a plan of two rooms plus a rear outshut. The rooms are heated by back to back fireplaces in the axial stack; a doorway connecting Garlands to Batts was revealed during renovations. The front elevation is asymmetrical, with a 4:1 window arrangement and lean-tos at each end. A front door is located to the left, with a porch hood over it. A former baffle entry on the front has been blocked. Windows are timber casements with 2 and 3 lights, likely dating to the 19th or 20th century. The left-hand room of Garlands was inspected and contains a chamfered stopped crossbeam, probably dating to the mid to late 17th century, an open fireplace with a chamfered lintel which has been reduced in size. The right-hand room has an 18th century chamfered crossbeam with run-out stops and rebuilt fireplace. Principal rafters are visible upstairs. The cottages are located in an exceptionally unspoiled estate village.