The Marble House

The Marble House is an early 17th century building, likely constructed by Richard Yardley, and is a notable example of its period with significant local historical interest. It is believed that Francis Smith's builder's yard, referred to in his will as "my Marble Yard," was located here. In 1812, William Parkes, an early industrialist of Warwick, made additions to the house.

The structure is made of local ashlar sandstone, with the main elevation facing west. The central portion is four storeys high, plus an attic, and is two bays wide, featuring geometrical twin gable-heads with two-light mullioned windows topped with hood moulds. The other storeys include slightly projecting splayed four-storey bay windows with side mullions of matching stone; later insertions of sashes or casements are present, some with only a central vertical glazing bar. A central projecting three-storey porch has a plain semi-circular-headed entrance with a two-storey oriel window above and a geometrical gable head. Label moulds are present at all floor levels, and these features are repeated on all four sides of the central block, although the lower storeys have been obscured by later additions on all sides except the west. The house is topped with attractive gabled roofs covered in old tiles.

The early 19th century two-storey side wings are also constructed of ashlar, featuring flat roofs, crenellated parapets, and sashes in plain reveals with vertical glazing bars. The approach to Marble House and its immediate surroundings are not particularly noteworthy, but there is a lovely view over unspoilt countryside to the west and southwest.

Recent modern alterations to the exterior include the restoration of four windows on the front and side, and two at the back, to stone mullion and transom casements. Inside, there is a fine panelled ground floor room with a marble chimney surround, an overmantel with carved pilasters, and a frieze.