Museum ‘time capsule’ near Sleaford to re-open after six-figure restoration

Mrs Smith’s Cottage, in Navenby, had to be closed in 2012 due to structural safety concerns.

The building is described as a ‘rare time capsule into a bygone age’, with walls just a single brick thick and the only modern innovations on site being an inside toilet, a cold water tap and electricity.

It is named after its last resident, who lived there until 1995, when she was aged 102.

Owners North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) would go on to receive money from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help bring it back into use and work has been taking place to this end since 2016. Now, a reopening date of Saturday, August 1, has been set.

Coun Richard Wright, leader of NKDC, said: “I am really looking forward to the reopening of Mrs Smith’s Cottage and seeing it regain its place at the heart of the community.

“The restoration project been a real journey over the past four years, with some ups and downs along the way, but it’s a testament to the hard work of the team and the vital assistance of the National Lottery Heritage Fund that we are now able to open the doors once again.

“Visitors are in for a pleasant surprise when they come to see the cottage, even if they have been before. The team have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to provide a new vision that will give our guests the type of insights into Lincolnshire’s heritage that they won’t get anywhere else.”

While a grand opening party has been postponed, visitors will have the chance to see research into the cottage’s decorative interiors, undertaken by Lincoln Conservation from the University of Lincoln.

Booking is required via www.mrssmithscottage.com