Cottage North East Of Town Head Farmhouse

The cottage likely dates to the late 16th or early 17th century. A date of 1689, along with the initials I & M.L and R & M.L, indicates partial re-casing and extension during that period; a further extension was probably added in the 18th century. The initials likely refer to members of the Losh family. The original structure featured clay walls, while later additions are constructed from squared rubble with dressed details. The roof is now covered in corrugated iron over thatch, with brick chimneys at the mid and end points; the outshut has a stone-flagged roof. The cottage is single-storied and comprises six bays. The original section has two windows, one being a two-light, stone-mullioned window. The 1689 work incorporates a cross-passage with a dated lintel and a chamfered door surround. A fire window and casement feature a continuous hoodmould to the right, and a casement to the left, all with chamfered surrounds. A door and part-blocked fire window are situated within the 18th-century extension. The doors are plank and the windows are small-pane casements. Inside the original cottage, a full-height clay cross-wall creates a subdivision. An ogee-headed wooden doorcase leads into an end room which has a loft supported by stop-chamfered posts and beams. The main room has an ogee-headed wooden doorcase set into the gable end, partitioned from an inglenook by a heck partition. A bressumer carries a clay fire-hood; a later 18th or early 19th-century range includes a crane. There are two cruck trusses present. The 18th-century extension contains a large brick oven.