THE COTTAGE PROBLEM.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SFECTATOR1
9111,-i am glad to answer your correspondent " P. H. B.'s " questions in the Spectator of December 2nd :—(1) A certain part of an old wall was undoubtedly built in. but I am sure this did not make £10 difference, as all will recognise who have tried to piece new work on old. (2) I did not go into the question of price of land, as all the land that side of the green belonged to me (the whole farm costing under £12 an acre). I was speaking only for landlords who already have plenty of ground. I was estimating only the bare outlay for building and fitting the house. This is quite permissible, I think. I was not writing on behalf of speculative builders of cottage property, who have to buy the land first. (3) It is quite true I have not estimated the rates or the insurance. This may be subtracted from the gross total. I certainly did not intend that the £10 14s. was a net rental without deduc- tions. I should put aside £2 for "outs" of all kinds, and then consider that 4 per cent, was sufficient interest to expect. (4) Nor have I included in the total sum the cost of altering outhouse and building new sanitary closet ; nor. indeed, the new fencing behind and in front of the house. I have given the cost of four walls and internal fittings, and left, as I think any one will allow, a reasonable margin for deductions as above. I am sure that certain points of general finish and convenience, or artistic features, could easily be omitted by one who did not wish to spend more than was absolutely necessary,—viz. : (1) the cupboards in sitting and bedroom ; (2) the diamond leaded windows; (3) the separate staircase and landing not opening into any room ; (4) the baking-oven, which, though a useful adjunct to any cottage, is not indispensable, and would save a good deal for one who wished to spend the minimum. I see no reason for the conclusion to which your correspondent comes, although, of course, I readily admit that the rate of wages, &c., will make a great deal of difference, and that I am not acquainted with the various conditions of such building in the several counties. I think it is clear that money could have been saved in certain small ways, and I am sure that, even if elsewhere it might cost £250 to give the same accom- modation, this price will contrast favourably with the ordi- nary cost of a pair of cottages. The plans will, by the kind request of the editor, appear in Country Life, and—honour to whom honour ie due—the contract was carried out, on the plans of Mr. Bishop, of Stowmarket, an able architect., by Mr. Sparrow, of Hanghley, whose name as a competent and finished workman is probably known to your correspondent. —I am, Sir, &c., P.S.—I have received over fifty lettere of inquiry, and have endeavoured to answer all with a promise of sending the plans when completed. Will my correspondents kindly accept this notification that they wi!1 appear in Country Life? I would also refer them to some very clever designs in the Daily News about the time of my first letter.
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