|
Laurel Cottage, Bowcott Hill, 1950s
Laurel Cottage is typical of a number of dwellings in and around Headley which started life as 'squatters cottages'.
"These were erected during the night, trees cut down to form the framework, the walls being made of turf and the roof thatched with heather. |
|
Laurel Cottage, Bowcot Hill, 1950s |
|
|
|
Before morning wives and children were installed-if the squatter had no children of his own he borrowed some, as the law would not allow the bailiffs to remove the roof of a house containing children. On being thus occupied for a certain time the cabin and land on which it stood could be claimed."- Mrs W.E. Belcher, 1925.
This view, taken in the 1950s, looks north from Headley Hill Road over Beech Hill Road to Arford Common. The house behind is probably Mount Pleasant. |
|
The Pines, Headley, 1897 |
|
The Pines, Headley, 1897
This has been identified as Headley Hill Road. According to Elsie Johnson it was still known as 'The Pines' in her lifetime and looked as it does in the picture. |
|
|
|
'Pinehurst'-built 1899; later renamed 'Benifold'
Across the road from Laurel Cottage, but miles apart in terms of refinement, Pinehurst was built on Headley Hill in 1899 for Edward Frinneby Hubbuck.
At some undetermined time, the house name changed from Pinehurst to Benifold. |
|
'Pinehurst' (later Benifold), Headley Hill Road - undated |
|
|
|
Described in their brochure as "a 20-roomed house with eight acres of grounds," Benifold was from 1963-1970 an Ecumenical House of prayer where 'people of all sorts and ages' were welcome. Initially the organisation also owned Little Benifold, just across the road, using this as a Warden's house, but it was later sold separately.
Then followed a significant culture shift, as the pop group Fleetwood Mac moved in. The group made four albums during their time here, and it is said that on the second floor there are still some paintings on the wall reminiscent of Christine McVie's artwork for the cover of the 'Kiln House' album.
They eventually left for California in late 1974 to achieve world-wide success. In the village, they are remembered by regulars down at the Wheatsheaf. |
|
'Pine Cottage' in Fullers Vale with 'Pinehurst' above
Pine Cottage sits in Fullers Vale close to where 'Breakneck Hill' footpath (No.29) climbs to Bowcott Hill. |
|
'Pine Cottage' in Fullers Vale - undated |
|
|
|
previous sectionnext section
|
|