Half of Sydenham was unavailable for development until the Lewisham Enclosure Act of 1810.

The building on Sydenham Common that followed immediately was mostly in the form of wooden cottages, a few of which still survive.

Ashtree Cottage, in Mount Gardens, which was built c.1815, is unusual in being half of a back-to-back pair.

The far bay window on the right belongs to Rouselle Cottage.