Read Hall

READ SD 73 SE 7/39 Read Hall 1-4-1953 - II* Large house, 1818-25 by George Webster of Kendal on site of earlier mansion. Sandstone ashlar with hipped slate roofs. 2 storeys with attic. South front symmetrical, of 9 bays with cornice and blocking course, and clasping pilasters with sinkings. The 3 central bays project as a bow and have a dome, and a Tuscan colonnade in front of the ground floor supporting a balcony with iron railings. The present windows are mid C20 steel casements with glazing bars. The window sills are said to have been lowered. The west front is of 3 bays, the central bay projecting slightly and having a tetrastyle Ionic portico. On the east side the main block is of 3 bays. Set back to its right is a rear wing of 3 bays which could contain remains of a C18 house. Inside, the principal ground-floor rooms have plasterwork with Grecian detailing in strong relief. The long entrance hall is divided by 4 Ionic columns arranged in a square. Domed stair hall has geometric stair with iron balusters, rising in one flight and returning in 2 curved ones.

Listing NGR: SD7573834815