The Old Cottage

In 1820 the Old Cottage was described as a ‘dog kennel’. The 2.5 acre plot was part of the Marquis of Anglesey’s estates. Later, as three cottages, it became the homes of miners from Derbyshire who worked in the ill-fated Fair Oak colliery.

The Oak Gates, at the south-eastern corner of the site, give access to the main cycling and walking tracks, leading to Fair Oak fishing pools, Birches Valley Forestry Centre, Marquis Drive Visitors’ Centre, Cannock Chase Museum & the whole of the Chase.

The Old Cottage, presently occupied by the owners of the self-catering cottage, sits in the centre of the site, with attractive gardens and natural vegetation. Lawns, orchard, vegetable garden, flower borders and rhododendrons, all within a strong hedge: but still the wild rabbits invade and gambol beneath the trees.