Restoration of fire-damaged cottages in Drewsteignton village set to begin next spring

The restoration of a row of ancient thatched cottages owned by the National Trust, destroyed in a devastating fire earlier this year in Drewsteignton, is expected to start next spring.

The four Grade II listed properties are currently covered in scaffolding and tarpaulin and are being left over the winter to dry out before restoration begins. The work is expected to take two to three years.

Local people are being kept updated on progress through community meetings, with the next one due to take place in January.

READ NEXT: Three Dartmoor towns once again recognised among top places to live in Devon

No residents or animals were hurt in the accidental blaze, which was tackled by 24 fire crews on March 17. It was, however, a sad moment for the village, as the Glebe and Trinity Cottages are an important part of the local streetscape.

The damaged buildings have since become a talking point for visitors to the popular pub, The Drewe Arms, next door.

Local resident John McCann said the cottages looked “a bit of an eyesore” but that everyone accepted what had happened and trusted the buildings would be restored to their former glory in time.

“I think everyone is quite stoic about it,” he said. “The cottages are stone-faced and cob-lined, and they need to be aired and dried out first. No water can get in, and there is a breathable mesh lining which allows the air to get through.

“In one sense, it’s quite an attraction, it’s a talking point when people come to the pub.”

A spokesperson for the National Trust said that, subject to statutory consents such as planning, the Trust hoped to commence construction works in spring 2026.

They said there had been a delay in getting the scaffolding erected, but the Trust was working closely with the conservation officer at Dartmoor National Park to begin the rebuild as soon as possible.

They also thanked the local community for their “ongoing support and patience,” and the fire service for their efforts in managing the situation when the blaze broke out in March.

Chairman of Drewsteignton Parish Council, Peter Brennan, said parishioners were naturally concerned about the disruption to village life, particularly once restoration work begins, but added that there was good engagement from the National Trust and the issue was regularly discussed at parish council meetings.