The Marble House

1. 1781 THEATRE STREET (West Side) The Marble House SP 2764 8/245 10.1.53.

II*

1. Early C17. Probably built by Richard Yardley. House a good example of the period and of considerable local historical interest. Francis Smith's builder's yard is thought to have been situated here: it is referred to in his will as "my Marble Yard." Additions in 1812 by William Parkes, who was one of the early industrialists of Warwick. The house is of local ashlar sandstone and the main elevation faces west. Centre 4 storey plus attic portion is two bays wide and has geometrical twin gable-heads having two-light mullioned windows with hood moulds over. The other storeys have slightly projecting splayed 4 storey bay windows with side mullions of tone; sashes or casements have been inserted later, some having centre vertical glazing bars only. Central projecting 3 storey porch has plain semi-circular-headed entrance with 2 storey oriel window over and geometrical gable head. Label moulds at all floor levels. These features are repeated on all four sides of the centre block, but the lower storeys have been obscured by later additions on all sides except the west. Attractive gabled roofs of old tiles. The early C19 2 storey side wings are also of ashlar. These have flat roofs, crenellated parapets and sashes in plain reveals with vertical glazing bars only. Except for a few small properties of some historical interest the approach to Marble House and its immediate surroundings are not noteworthy, but to the west and south west there is a delightful, view over unspoilt countryside. Modern alterations to exterior: 4 windows to front and side, 2 to back, restored to stone mullion and transom casements. Interior: fine panelled ground floor room with marble chimney surround, overmantel with carved pilasters and frieze. VCH, viii, p.436.

Listing NGR: SP2787764967