Alan Lee 'Illustrated Cottage' for Sale - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 10-13-2006, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hilde Bracegirdle

*I don't understand the description of it having a slate and thatch roof, though. Do you suppose that there is a full slate roof under there? If so, I would wonder if the thatch was more of an external insulation.

It looks to me that there is a small slate-roofed extension or dormer to the rear building . I am sure you would not get slate under thatch.

It is a good location and people will pay for thatch despite the increased insurance and high replacement / maintenance costs - and that roof- while it looks in good enough nick, has been clearly up there for a while . Even so I think that they are hoping that the murals will be a plus point for someone because even there, that is an awful lot of money for a very small cottage, with it seems no parking and a tiny garden. I love the way estate agents call it a double bedroom if you can squeeze a small double bed in - even if that is the only item of furniture and you can't walk around it!! I am sure you americans have larger "closets"

JennyHallu · 10-13-2006, 01:54 PM

Not every American lives in a huge home. My entire little house could fit in my parents' ground floor, with quite a bit of room to spare. But yeah, I've seen some pretty big closets.

Frankly, I think the place is unbelievably beautiful. Rather idyllic. I'd live there...and feel spoiled at how much lovely space I had, and the flagstones in the garden are just-- *sigh*

Lalwendë · 10-13-2006, 03:11 PM

Boring interjection:

Yes, there posibly is slate under the thatch on the offshot - the bedroom opened up to the roof apex will probably have a slate base, and if thatched with water reeds, then it may all be slate underneath due to building regs. Why do I know this? I spend hours perusing the property market.

Anyway, for those who are scared the murals will be lost - this cottage may well go to someone seeking to have it as a holiday home and let it out, in which case, murals like that would be a huge attraction for holidaymakers. Though I would be very scared of spraying my cooking up the walls and ruining them.

I wonder if this is close to where Alan Lee lives? He says he gets his inspiration from the local landscape - check out his illustration of Tom & Goldberry's house (in the illustrated LotR), it's very similar to this one, and he said he drew it as a traditional Devon cottage.

Hilde Bracegirdle · 10-13-2006, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Even so I think that they are hoping that the murals will be a plus point for someone because even there, that is an awful lot of money for a very small cottage, with it seems no parking and a tiny garden.

Yes, I was looking for a parking place also. And the painted woodwork upstairs is an unfortunate shade of green.

Thanks for the observations on the thatched roof, Mith. I wonder if it is hard to find someone to repair or replace them. (Did pehaps Margaret Thatcher's remote ancestors ply that trade?)

But back to the murals, really a kitchen is a bad place for them if you actually use the kitchen. They are bound to get a great deal grubbier there then anywhere else, I should think.

EDIT: Cross posted with you Lal. Thanks also for your input.

Mithalwen · 10-13-2006, 03:38 PM

Thatcher, like many surnames is occupational in origin... but of course that was her married name .. her maiden name was Roberts..another main group of surnames being derived from Christian names ie Roberts contraction of Robertson.... (others having origin in appearance or location... my own more or less means troglodyte!) Name origins are one of my hobbies so I am more confident than on rooves......

There has been a small revival but it is quite a skill which takes time so learn
.... so good thatchers are few and far between...Thatching is quite a good trade if you can get an apprenticeship thatch

But if you want thatch ...may I give a plug for my own locale (once a Tourist Information Officer always a TIO!).. Swan Green is the classic postcard unsurprisingly.. and there is the most gorgeous one on the way to Ringwood.... I am afraid for me that the muralled one doesn't compare ...

Hilde Bracegirdle · 10-13-2006, 07:43 PM

What fantastic links, Mith! Thank you. I've had quite a time exploring both, and was very pleased to find drawings that clarified what exactly goes into a thatched roof. It does seem like a lot of work to put one together, but it is suprisingly long lasting.

I do think that the holiday home idea would be a good option for the 'Illustrated Cottage' if the guests there were responsible people. And it is strange that I assumed that it must be close to Lee's home. It seemed the sort of thing that might have been done on the spur of the moment, and at the whim of artistic guests.

10-13-2006, 01:54 PM	#2
JennyHallu The Pearl, The Lily Maid Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my luxury Barrow, snuggled up in a pile of satin pillows, eating fresh fruit. Posts: 1,628	Not every American lives in a huge home. My entire little house could fit in my parents' ground floor, with quite a bit of room to spare. But yeah, I've seen some pretty big closets. Frankly, I think the place is unbelievably beautiful. Rather idyllic. I'd live there...and feel spoiled at how much lovely space I had, and the flagstones in the garden are just-- sigh __________________ <=== Lookee, lookee, lots of IM handles!

10-13-2006, 03:11 PM	#3
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	Boring interjection: Yes, there posibly is slate under the thatch on the offshot - the bedroom opened up to the roof apex will probably have a slate base, and if thatched with water reeds, then it may all be slate underneath due to building regs. Why do I know this? I spend hours perusing the property market. Anyway, for those who are scared the murals will be lost - this cottage may well go to someone seeking to have it as a holiday home and let it out, in which case, murals like that would be a huge attraction for holidaymakers. Though I would be very scared of spraying my cooking up the walls and ruining them. I wonder if this is close to where Alan Lee lives? He says he gets his inspiration from the local landscape - check out his illustration of Tom & Goldberry's house (in the illustrated LotR), it's very similar to this one, and he said he drew it as a traditional Devon cottage. __________________ Gordon's alive!

10-13-2006, 03:38 PM	#5
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	Thatcher, like many surnames is occupational in origin... but of course that was her married name .. her maiden name was Roberts..another main group of surnames being derived from Christian names ie Roberts contraction of Robertson.... (others having origin in appearance or location... my own more or less means troglodyte!) Name origins are one of my hobbies so I am more confident than on rooves...... There has been a small revival but it is quite a skill which takes time so learn .... so good thatchers are few and far between...Thatching is quite a good trade if you can get an apprenticeship thatch But if you want thatch ...may I give a plug for my own locale (once a Tourist Information Officer always a TIO!).. Swan Green is the classic postcard unsurprisingly.. and there is the most gorgeous one on the way to Ringwood.... I am afraid for me that the muralled one doesn't compare ... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace Last edited by Mithalwen; 10-13-2006 at 03:41 PM.

10-13-2006, 07:43 PM	#6
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	What fantastic links, Mith! Thank you. I've had quite a time exploring both, and was very pleased to find drawings that clarified what exactly goes into a thatched roof. It does seem like a lot of work to put one together, but it is suprisingly long lasting. I do think that the holiday home idea would be a good option for the 'Illustrated Cottage' if the guests there were responsible people. And it is strange that I assumed that it must be close to Lee's home. It seemed the sort of thing that might have been done on the spur of the moment, and at the whim of artistic guests.