Inglenook and Meadow Cottages, Weston Corner, Nursling

Builder: H & F Bundy

Architect:  John Trowbridge

Date: 1978-1979

When these three cottages, dating originally from the XVII century, were purchased by The Trust from the Barker Mill Estates in 1977 they were in a rather poor state of repair with black tarred walls and poor quality kitchen and toilet facilities.  Plans were drawn to convert the building into two cottages with major repair of the brickwork to the front elevation as the first priority.  The cottages were enlarged, by constructing kitchen extensions and new garages to the rear. 

A beautiful inglenook fireplace and a largely intact bread oven were discovered behind plaster boards and were incorporated into the restoration.  Many oak beams and original features were exposed to afford two period cottages of great character. 

This project was a financial success on a rising property market and placed The Trust on a firm financial footing as it braced itself to tackle far larger challenges that were appearing on the horizon.  In political terms, the successful completion of this and the two earlier projects helped to convince the Planning Inspector at the public appeal for 45-67, Cherville Street that rather than demolish these Grade 2 listed  buildings, The Trust had the experience and the resources to carry out their restoration.