Shute Cottage, Fern Cottage And Wayside Cottage

The cottages of Shute Cottage, Fern Cottage and Wayside Cottage date largely to the 17th century, with possible earlier origins in parts, and were extensively refurbished in the mid to late 19th century. They are constructed of local stone rubble, with stone rubble stacks, one featuring an ashlar chimneyshaft, all topped with 20th-century brick, and have slate roofs, originally thatched. The three small cottages are arranged in a row, set back from the lane but facing south-west. Shute Cottage occupies the left (north-west) end and has a gable-end stack. Fern Cottage, in the middle, shares an axial stack with Wayside Cottage at the right (south-east) end, both sharing back-to-back fireplaces. Wayside Cottage also incorporates a small, unheated lobby that connects to the adjoining Margells property.

Although internal inspection was limited, the cottages appear largely rebuilt in the 19th century, although the core is likely older, and seem to have originated as the hall and service rooms belonging to Margells. The exterior presents an irregular five-window front with 20th-century casement windows with glazing bars. Each cottage has a 20th-century front door, sheltered by various 20th-century porches. The gable ends face left and right, with the roof abutting that of Margells.

During inspection of Wayside Cottage, the ground floor revealed no visible beams. However, the fireplace is 17th century and made of Beerstone ashlar, featuring a soffit-chamfered oak lintel with bar scroll-stops. The roof’s interior is inaccessible, and no trusses are visible; however, a ledge on the rear wall likely indicates the former wall height. A late 16th-century oak-framed wall separates Wayside Cottage from Margells, incorporating blocked doorways.

The cottages were probably originally part of a large, late 16th-century or earlier house, which also includes Margells. However, the original layout and early development remain undetermined, and further work might reveal earlier features. They contribute to the exceptionally attractive group of traditional, mostly thatched-roofed houses which comprise the hamlet of Street.