Heritage
The Best family bought the farm (158 acres) from the Crown in 1863, when the valley was opened up for farming. Job, the father, died in 1891, followed by his wife, Eliza, in 1909. Three unmarried children continued to live here until the last son died during WWII. The farm was then passed on in 1946 to a cousin, who had returned from the war with his English war-bride.
Bought by a neighbour in 1966, the cottage remained empty until 1974, leading to its further decline as even during its continuous occupation it had been poorly maintained. 20 years on, after various tenants and new owners, the cottage was finally restored.
