The Willows Chalton

The Willows lies some way west of the main road and was listed by the former Department of Environment in September 1980 as Grade II, of special interest. The building dates from the 17th century and the first floor is timber-framed with whitewashed brick noggin (bricks infilling between the timbers) as seems common for older buildings in Chalton. The ground floor comprises whitewashed brick alone. The house has a thatched roof. The south and west walls were rebuilt in the 19th century in red brick with yellow brick arches over the windows.

The Rating and Valuation Act 1925 specified that every building and piece of land in the country was to be assessed to determine its rateable value. The valuer visiting The Willows [DV1/C127/80] found that it was owned by Bird Brothers and occupied by Horace Cook who paid ten shilling per week in rent. The valuer commented: "Rent terrific [i.e. very high]. Done up recently, new brick end".

Downstairs were a living room, a kitchen and a scullery with three bedrooms upstairs. Outside stood a barn and an earth closet.