Spinning Cottage, Melsetter, Hoy

Probably early 19th century; remodelled 1898-1900 by W R Lethaby. Single storey; rectangular-plan cottage, formerly used for spinning, with irregularly disposed openings. Harled with sandstone dressings. Architraved openings (probably largely original/pre-1900) to principal (S) elevation. Coped gables. Original vertical margins at arrises.

S (PRINCIPAL) ELEVATION: entrance with plank door to far left. Irregularly disposed flanking windows. 2 entrances (each with plank door) to central section. 2 small square windows to outer right. Short stepped section of coursed rubble wall adjoins to outer left.

N ELEVATION: 3 widely spaced windows to centre/right; 5 closely spaced windows to outer left.

E ELEVATION: central architraved entrance to gable end; architraved window immediately above lintel/transom.

W ELEVATION: blank gable end.

Mainly 12-pane timber sash and case windows. Stone slate roof. Square-plan gablehead stack to W; 2 ridge stacks (that to left tall); all coursed rubble with band courses.

INTERIOR: main room has shallow segmentally-arched ceiling by Lethaby; and also a large 'rustic' coursed rubble fireplace with a deep slab lintel and exposed flue, flanked by 2 small plaster plaques (decorated with floral motifs) set back to wall.