Old Sarum View Cottage, Salisbury

Old Sarum View Cottage is a historic rural house dating from the early 17th century, or possibly slightly earlier. Protected as a Grade II listed building since 1972, it stands beneath the ancient earthworks of Old Sarum. The cottage has a half-hipped thatched roof, central chimney stack, and exposed timber framing, with two sides refaced in brick in 1703.

For much of the 20th century, the cottage served as the village shop and Post Office, becoming a familiar meeting place for local residents. George Janes managed the business from 1947, while Brenda and Peter Henocq were the final shopkeepers before the grocery closed in 1992. The former shop is still visible in the north-side wing, while early 17th-century plasterwork with bird and flower motifs survives inside.

The cottage stands within the historic village of Stratford-sub-Castle, whose name means "the ford beneath the castle," referring to the nearby Roman road crossing and the hilltop fortress above. Nearby are the Church of St Lawrence and links to Old Sarum’s former parliamentary borough and the Pitt family. Though private, the cottage remains a rewarding stop for walkers and photographers.