Special thatched cottage sells.

A true ‘chocolate box’ cottage is not an exaggeration for a property aptly named ‘The Cottage’, which went under the gavel as opposed to a big hammer on a Mid-Summers Day Auction Sale conducted by Charles Head & Son.

‘The Cottage’ situated in the centre of the older original part of Thurlestone village is a Grade II thatched dwelling with a delightful sun-drenched garden full of many varieties of colourful flowers, shrubs, a number of small trees including a magnificent Magnolia tree.  Dating back to the 17^th Century it was once probably two cottages with several outbuildings.  The owners’ family had purchased it in 1923 for the princely sum of £500, but 86 years later Auctioneer, Robert Cattell, sold it for £650,000.  Apart from being a very pretty property, it is in good order throughout.  It has good parking facilities and a very useful detached stone and cob barn.  One of the interesting features is the ‘Atlas’ Fire Insurance plaque under the eaves which dates back to the 19^th Century which meant that the local fire brigade would know they would get paid if the fire was put out.  Another rare feature is a Port Hole which is believed to have been taken from the ship, the ‘Louis Shield’, which was wrecked on Leys Foot Beach in 1939.  Of course not all properties are a suitable candidate to be sold by Public Auction but cottages in the right location create so much interest that it is the only way to ensure the right price is fairly obtained.