Gisburne Park

Gisburne Park is a country house constructed between 1727 and 1736, with subsequent additions. The house is pebbledashed, featuring sandstone dressings and a hipped slate roof. The original design was based on a half-H plan. The south facade is of two storeys and nine bays, with the central three bays recessed, creating a symmetrical composition. This facade is characterised by projecting quoins, a string course, and a bracketed cornice with a blocking course. The windows are sash windows with glazing bars, and have architraves; those on the ground floor have false keystones. The ground-floor windows to the outer three bays on each side have been altered. The central doorway is distinguished by Doric pilasters, an entablature that sweeps upwards into an arch, and a frieze with outer triglyphs and a central carved flower surrounded by foliage. Two chimneys are visible on the ridge.

To the west is the gable of the stable block, likely remodelled around 1800, with a pediment and a canted bay window. A three-bay link, dating to the early 20th century, connects this block to the main facade. The stable block itself was probably built between 1736 and 1737. It has a central arched entrance with a pediment above on both the east and west sides. A square addition, circa 1800 and reflecting the style of the main facade, but containing an extra storey above the cornice, is situated at the north end of the east wing. A rear range was added in the late 19th century.

The interior features exceptionally fine Baroque plasterwork executed by Artari, Quadri and Vassalli. This is found in the entrance hall, the drawing room to the right of the hall, a smaller room behind the drawing room, and the stair hall in the west wing. The ceilings in these rooms are characterised by elaborate scrollwork compositions, with the exception of the stair hall, which has a late 19th-century ceiling incorporating an oval domed toplight. The entrance hall, drawing room, and stair hall also contain enriched wall panels; the stair hall’s panels are particularly ornate, including some bas-relief figures. The staircase has a wrought iron balustrade. The dining room, located to the left of the entrance hall, features early 18th century-style oak panelling. In the rear addition of circa 1800 is a double-height circular room with a domed and decorated plaster ceiling, and curved doors with decorated doorcases. Building accounts are deposited with the Yorkshire Archaeological Society.