Cob Cottage in Village Centre (originally called Troedrhiwfallen)

Cadw's description

Location

Prominently situated in the village centre, alongside by-road and below the war memorial.

History

Late C18/early C19. Probably the upper cob-built parts represent a later raising of the cottage to form a loft. Also the blocked door suggests an unusual original lobby-entry at the main chimney-end, replaced by the present centrally placed door. Shown on 1843 Tithe map, when called Troedrhiwfallen and owned by Owen Bowen.

Exterior

Whitewashed elevations, the lower part of shaley rubble, the upper half mostly of cob with some rubble patching. Corrugated-iron roof, concealing thatch. Boarded projecting eaves. Small brick chimney-stack to left gable. Three bays with loft, the latter without windows. Boarded (inserted) door to right of centre with timber lintel. Six-pane horned sash window to right with lintel and slate sill. Similar sash towards left end, clearly replacing the original entry. Entry was thus of the lobby-type, unusual in SW Wales. Left end with cob parts collapsing. Right gable with overlapping corrugated-iron barges and traces of an attached building (putlogs in the wall, footings). Blank rear.

Interior

Not inspected, but from the slight collapse at the left end, it is clear that the original trusses survive, complete with the thatch.

In deteriorating condition at the time of inspection (January 1996).

Reason for designation

Listed for its special interest as a regional cottage of traditional vernacular construction. Unusual original plan-type. Focal point of village.