IT is Rayleigh’s answer to a Bilbo Baggins style Hobbit hole, and now the Dutch Cottage has finally reopened for the first time since the pandemic began.

The eye-catching and historic octagonal cottage, which is the smallest and oldest council house in Britain, was officially reopened by chairman of Rochford Council, Julie Gooding, on Wednesday after being shut for more than 18 months due to the Covid crisis.

It means members of the public can now visit the tiny 20ft wide cottage in Crown Hill, for a pre-booked tour, led by the cottage’s current tenant Fay Laflin.

Mrs Gooding said: “I was delighted to be invited to reopen the Dutch Cottage following its closure due to the pandemic.

“Fay welcomed us into her home on a bright autumnal day.

“Immediately as we entered the cottage we saw the beautiful focal point of the building, facing the front entrance – one of the three fireplaces centrally placed within the cottage.

“Fay described how the Delphi wall tiles were revealed and rescued during a refurbishment of the cottage.

“These are proudly mounted on the walls for display purposes adding historical interest to the wonderfully mysterious looking cottage, dated 1621 on the front door.”

The history of the cottage is surrounded in controversy.

To many people the plate above the door inscribed “1621” is solid evidence that it was erected in that year. However surveyors, architects and historians who have studied the building are of the opinion that it was not built until the eighteenth century, probably around 1740.

Thus, the story of the cottage is one of mystery, as no-one knows when, why or for whom the cottage was built.

What is likely is that the cottage was built by Dutch workers, who came to Essex to work on the sea defences on Canvey.

It is not to be confused with another famous Dutch Cottage which still exists on Canvey.

Mrs Gooding added: “The authentic beams and structure of the walls adds to the uniqueness of the building. I particularly enjoyed the stories we were told about the pictures of the cottage mounted on the walls, and the families who had lived there previously.”

The octagonal structure of the cottage is thought to have served the purpose of warding off evil spirits, because there are no corners where evil entities could lurk!

Living there takes some getting used to. The main living space is arranged around a central fireplace – and to reach its one bedroom, in the roof, you have to climb a steep ladder

Because the cottage is so small the furniture needs to be bespoke and in fitting with the character of the cottage.

The long-term tenant Fay is only 5ft tall which makes it easier: “I’ve had a special bed made up which is lower than a normal bed because of the space in the bedroom,” said Fay.

“In here, I can touch the ceiling, for the first time in my life!” The cottage is owned by Rochford District Council and is rented out for a nominal rent in return for the tenant taking care of the building and giving tours to the public one day per week.

Mrs Gooding added: “Altogether it was a very interesting visit to experience the cottage – what has always looked mystical from the outside looking in.

“I hope many more visitors will also enjoy our iconic ‘jewel in the crown’.”

To book a tour visit www.rochford.gov.uk/heritage-attractions/dutch-cottage