Random Cottage is a historic house on Greenmount Lane in Heaton, a district in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It is a Grade II* listed building recognised for its architectural and historical significance.
The building is believed to date from the 16thcentury, with some sources suggesting a construction date around 1541.[1] Originally built as a stone farmhouse, it reflects the rural heritage of Lancashire before Bolton's industrial expansion.
On 26 April 1974, Random Cottage was designated a Grade II* listed building.[2]
Architecture
The building is constructed from coursed and squared stone and features a stone-flagged roof. It is a two-storey cottage with a two-unit plan, entered through a central hall. The main doorway is flanked by a four-light mullioned window on the left and a six-light mullioned and transomed window on the right, both with hood moulds. The upper storey contains mullioned windows of two and four lights.[2]
To the right of the cottage stands an outbuilding, which may have originally served a domestic function. This structure includes a blocked doorway on the left, partially cut by a buttress, and a current doorway accompanied by a four-light mullioned window. The gable end is built of rough stone, suggesting that the building may once have extended further east.[1]
Heritage at Risk Register
In 1998 Random Cottage was listed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register because of its poor condition and vulnerability.[3] It was assessed as being in "immediate risk" of rapid deterioration, with the roofless structure requiring urgent intervention.[4]
According to The Bolton News in 1999, Random Cottage was considered the worst case among Bolton's historic buildings at risk. Despite its poor condition, there were hopes that renovation work would begin imminently. At that time the cottage was owned by the occupiers of the adjoining farmhouse.[4]
As of 2025, the building is no longer listed on the register.
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