The National Trust has announced that Oakhurst Cottage, the preserved 16th Century farm labourer’s cottage on the lower corner of Cricket Green, will be closed for the rest of the year with immediate effect.

Hambledon villagers have played a vital role in keeping the little timber-framed cottage open to the public by volunteering as guides to show pre-booked visitors around the house and cottage garden. Inside it fittings and furnishings reflect how a simple land-workers cottage would have looked in the mid-19th Century.

It is one of the NT’s smallest properties and is a popular and unique attraction. However, recently NT staff discovered cracks caused by subsidence and investigatory work has been undertaken. It was considered safe to remain open while an engineers’ report was prepared. It is thought that underpinning is required.

It was due to be open on Thursdays and on Heritage Days later this month, with free entry and no booking required. It was hoped that more volunteers would be recruited to enable the cottage to remain open to booked visitors into October, so it is disappointing that it has been closed at short notice. The NT states the closure is because of “emergency works”.

Hambledon Parish Council and villagers involved in volunteering will be seeking further information and reassurances concerning its future from the National Trust.

For more information please visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oakhurst-cottage