Work to restore fire damaged cottages set to start

The Glebe and Trinity Cottages caught fire in March

Work to restore a row of thatched cottages damaged in a fire in Devon is expected to start next spring.

The four Grade II listed cottages in Drewsteignton caught fire in March, with 25 crews required to tackle the blaze.

The properties, which are owned by the National Trust, are covered in scaffolding and tarpaulin and are being left over the winter to dry out before the restoration begins in 2026.

The trust said it hoped to commence construction works in spring 2026, with the project expected to two to three years to complete.

No residents or animals were hurt in the blaze

Residents were being kept informed of developments and progress through regular community meetings, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

Local resident John McCann said the current state of the properties looked a bit of an eyesore but accepted that the buildings would be restored to their former glory in time.

Peter Brennan, chairman of Drewsteignton Parish Council, said residents were naturally concerned about the disruption to village life, particularly when the restoration begins, but added there was good engagement from the National Trust.

The trust thanked the local community for their "ongoing support and patience".