25-28 Free Cottages

SX 99 SW 871/2/10082 23-JUN-00

MOUNT DINHAM 25-28 Free Cottages

GV II

Block of 4 cottages, part of a group of free cottages comprising 42 units for the elderly & funded by William Gibbs 1862. Addition of the c.1950s not included in the listing. Red brick with painted stone dressings; slate roofs; stacks with rendered shafts; cast iron rainwater goods. Tudor style. Plan: Part of a complex built on the bluff overlooking the river Exe and grouped with the school and church, also funded by Gibbs; this block fronts the vista down to the Exe. Like the other blocks on the site, this consisted of 4 units with paired front doors in the centre and entrances on the returns for the outer units, left return altered for the addition of a c.1950s block. Single storey service blocks have been added to the rear. Exterior: Single storey and 2 storeys. Symmetrical 4-bay front, the 2-storey outer bays gabled to the front and broken forward. Deep eaves and verges on brackets. Original openings painted white with quoined jambs. 2 & 3-light transomed mullioned windows with hoodmoulds and C20 glazing. Central gabled porch with stone Tudor arched doorway; plank doors; gabled porch to right return. INTERIOR: not inspected but may retain features of interest. Historical Note: The site was purchased by John Dinham to prevent its being used as a fairground. Gibbs, of Tyntesfield in Somerset, was a guano merchant and became a banker. He was born in Exeter and an effigy of him survives in St Michael's Church (qv) next to the free cottages. This is part of an important Victorian group of philanthropic buildings, designed together.

Listing NGR: SX9151392671