Bretton Hall Including Attached Orangery To West

Large country house, now college. Built in phases between circa 1720 and circa 1852.

The south range dates to circa 1720 and was built by Sir William Wentworth and Colonel James Moyser for Sir William Wentworth himself. The north range was added in the 1780s by William Lindley of Doncaster. The linking block and remodelling of the south range, including the south bow and east portico, date to 1811–14 and were designed by Jeffry Wyatt for Colonel Thomas Richard and Diana Beaumont. A projecting dining room was added to the east front circa 1852, probably by Thomas Richardson for Thomas Blackett Beaumont.

The building is constructed in ashlar with the roof hidden behind a parapet. The main plan comprises a 9-bay by 5-bay main south range, a 3-bay link block to the north which extends westwards and terminates in the orangery, and a 7-bay north range. The main elevations face east. The south range stands 3 storeys; the remainder 2 storeys.

The south range presents a symmetrical front with a central Greek Doric tetrastyle portico. The ground and first-floor windows are 12-pane sashes, the former with triangular pediments and the latter with small cornices. The second-floor windows are short with later casements. A plinth and bands mark the lower floors. Two ornamental rainwater heads bear the Wentworth shield. The eaves feature a modillion cornice and a balustraded parapet. Eight tall, broad, symmetrically placed ashlar ornamental stacks rise from the roof line. The south front incorporates a 3-bay bow with taller ground-floor windows, the centre one formerly a doorway reached by 4 steps. The rear elevation is similar to the front but plainer. The link block to the north matches the design in style but has taller ground-floor windows and is separated by a recessed single bay.

The north range displays a symmetrical front with the centre 3 bays marked by giant pilasters supporting a pediment. A central 8-panel double door opens onto 12-pane sashes at ground floor and 9-pane sashes at first floor. The entablature consists of a frieze, cornice and blocking course. The tympanum contains an enriched shield bearing the motto "Fide sed cui vide". The orangery at the rear sits on a 2-step podium. It comprises 7 bays with the centre 3 breaking forward slightly, divided by square Tuscan piers supporting a frieze, moulded cornice and blocking course.

Interior of the south range: The entrance hall contains a groin vaulted passage at the rear, separated by 3 arches. The piers and walls carry grisaille paintings of figures and trophies. The main staircase to the north of the hall has a fine wrought-iron handrail dating to 1920. To the west lies the former billiard room and to the east (front) the former breakfast room, both with Adam-style ceilings of circa 1770.

Interior of the link range: An excellent entrance vestibule has 4 piers, apparently encased cast-iron, supporting a glazed dome on pendentives. The walls are painted with 18th-century-style Italianate architectural fantasies. The vestibule opens at upper level onto the half-landing of the main staircase from the south range, whose walls display similar paintings. West of the vestibule is the former drawing room or tapestry room, with a heavy baroque ceiling featuring pendant bosses, probably dating to circa 1852. Further west are the former library and music room, both in Regency style of circa 1811–14. The music room has an apse intended for an organ and a delicate gently coved ceiling with rinceau decoration, panels, pilaster strips and a delicate marble fireplace with a large mirror. The library has been substantially altered. East of the vestibule is the former dining room, now a conference room, in a heavy Rococo style of circa 1852. The end walls are divided into 3 sections by Composite pilasters, each with a niche to either side and a central panel. A very elaborate marble fireplace decorated with vines and a central spread-winged eagle dominates the space. An elaborate frieze features foliage, animals and Classical figures. The ceiling displays panels with musical instruments.

The building was converted to use as Bretton College in 1947.