North Cottage is located between the castle keep and the walled garden and is a 2 bedroom flat above the former wood workshop and sawmill. The building was probably built in the early 20th century and was initially just an accommodation and workshop below. The sawmill along with battery shed and engine shed were added at a later date.
Below the stairs is the original outside toilet, the facilities still exist and in working order but are never used. One door has the toilet and the other has a sink for washing up. The third door is the old coal shed.
In December 1991 the building was severely destroyed by fire, and I was the first to spot it but it got out of control quickly and by the time the fire service arrived it was beyond saving and was near collapse.
It was rebuilt to its former glory a few years later. To this day North Cottage is still a 2 bedroom house and is rented out.
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