Leigh Cottage

Leigh Cottage is a small house that dates from the mid-17th century or earlier, with alterations from the 18th century and an extension from the 19th century. The building features clay walling, which is currently covered with 20th-century sculptured cement render. The roof, originally thatched with turf and straw, is now hidden beneath a 20th-century corrugated sheet covering. The main part of the house consists of two bays and is a single storey with an attic. There is a lower single bay addition at the east end, which has an offshoot to the north that conceals the original gable entrance.

The front wall has two windows: one is small-paned, while the other is a late 19th-century four-paned sash. There is also an inserted doorway at the east end. The rear elevation features an off-centre doorway with a painted surround and a plank door, along with a small fire window to the left of the doorway. A brick extension is present on the north gable, topped with a stone-slated roof.

Inside, there is a hearth with an 18th-century surround, supported by corbelled jambs. The feet of cruck blades can be seen emerging from the side walls about one metre below the ceiling level. The building has a two-cell plan that remains largely undisturbed, with a plain ladder stair leading to the attic. Leigh Cottage is an important example of clay construction on The Solway Plain, where this building tradition continued into the 19th century. The cottage is also notable for its well-preserved interior, including a central cruck truss.