Hi - I'm a new member and really glad to find a friendly forum with people who have invested interest in period properties. I would really appreciate some advice as we have never owned a listed property before. We have a cob cottage and the end of the cottage wall is below soil level from the neighbours garden. The PO had painted the floor (which is concrete I think) with bitumen about 25 years ago however the room smells of stale sweat and is slightly damp on the floor. Will need to act on this but don't know what to do for the best yet. Any suggestions would be very helpful please. Elizabeth