S t o u r h e a d

G o t h i c  C o t t a g e

Henry Hoare built this quaint little rusticated cottage around 1785, perhaps as a private summerhouse for him and his close relatives. It was known as the 'Watch Cottage' allowing the occupants a splendid view across the lake towards Stourton. In a similar fashion to the Temple of Flora, it surprises the visitor on first discovery, as it too is heavily obscured by trees at either side.

Henry's grandson Richard added the Gothic semi circular seat and arched porch around 1806. From then on it was renamed 'The Gothic Cottage'.

Dressed with circular reliefs and arched church style windows, It is quite similar in design to Henry's other secret cottage tucked away deep in the woods, the Gothic Convent. However it lacks the turrets the Convent has. In the Summer of 2006 it was decorated by artists into a fairytale cottage in a style of Hansel and Gretel's 'Gingerbread House' for an exhibition at the estate.

 

The ivy covered chimney adds a natural finishing touch to the dwelling.

An excellent 360 degree panoramic view of the cottage in the Autumn and the vista across the lake can be viewed at this external web site. Click and hold the resulting image and pan around. This requires the Quicktime™ Plug-in.

             

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