Building record GRU 040 - Gardener's Cottage

Grundisburgh House is a grade II-listed residence on the eastern edge of Grundisburgh village. The house is ascribed to the mid-1800s by the Schedule of Listed Buildings, consistent with its facade of gault brick and the wrought iron staircase in the entrance hall. Gardeners Cottage is a broadly contemporary structure of gault brick immediately to the east of the main house, flanking its southern approach in the typical manner of 19th century service buildings. It appears to be shown on the tithe map of 1841, and was probably built as a stable and vehicle shed with a first-floor hay loft or granary. Both the front and rear elevations contain a projecting 'breakfront' central bay designed to reflect the central porch and pilasters of the house, and the latter's arched windows are also mirrored in its gable and rear elevation. Although the general proportions and appearance of the Cottage have changed little since the mid-19th century, the building was extensively altered between 1904 and 1927 when the north-western gable was extended and part of the original structure rebuilt to form a dwelling with three small bedrooms for accommodation. The adjoining shed became a garage and the stable at the opposite end of the building was provided with new stalls and subsequently converted into a second garage. Although of insufficient architectural and historic merit for listing in its own right, Gardeners Cottage reflects and complements the appearance of the grade II-listed main house, and represents a significant element of its historic context.

The building survey was carried out prior to the doemolition of the cottage (S1).