38 High Street March 2008

37 and 38 High Street are a pair of detached Whitbread Estate cottages. The cottages were built in the 19th century from red brick and have red clay tile roofs. They make a nice contrast to the beige painted thatched cottages and the other variations of brick built house in the village.

In 1927 Southill was valued under the Rating Valuation Act 1925; every piece of land and building in the country was assessed to determine the rates to be paid on it. The valuer visiting 38 High Street [DV1/C32/125] noted that it was owned by the Whitbread Estate and tenanted by Mrs.L.Brown at a rent of £15 per annum. It stood in 0.416 of an acre and was identical to Number 37. It contained a hall, two parlours and a small kitchen downstairs with two bedrooms above; outside were a wood and tile barn and wash-house. The valuer commented about the houses: "V.v.good. Double fronted. Compare semi-detached type Page 105 [22-23 School Lane]. Both have the same accommodation. I say this is more attractive".