Ombersley Court

Ombersley Court is a country house situated within a landscaped park and has been the seat of the Sandys family. The original house was constructed between 1724 and 1732 by Francis Smith of Warwick for the first Lord Sandys, and subsequently refaced and altered by J Webb between 1812 and 1814. Further alterations were made in the mid-20th century. The house is built of brick with stone and ashlar dressings, with some areas later refaced in ashlar.

Originally, the house comprised a two-storey and attic central block of seven bays, accompanied by north and south wings. Webb demolished the original side wings and constructed a new north wing to connect the main house with a new stable quadrangle (listed separately). This north wing was later removed in the mid-20th century. The present east front is three storeys high, featuring a moulded cornice and blocking course, along with plinth and sill bands defining the first and second floors. The seven bays are arranged in a 2:3:2 configuration, with the central bays projecting forward. The ground floor windows are 15-pane sashes, the first floor windows are glazing bar sashes, and the second floor windows are 6-pane sashes. A tetrastyle portico of coupled Ionic columns fronts the central bays, surmounted by a moulded architrave and part-glazed double doors. The side and rear elevations are largely unadorned.

The interior, as understood from written sources, retains much of its early Georgian decoration and woodwork. The Entrance Hall features a two-storey gallery connecting to upper rooms, with Ionic pilasters, blank niches, stone fireplaces displaying heraldic devices, and a ceiling divided into compartments with four pendants. The Saloon, located alongside the hall with west-facing windows, is oak panelled with pilasters and a fine door surround, incorporating a marble chimney piece. The adjoining Dining Room and Rose Boudoir are also oak panelled and elaborately detailed, with pilasters of varying orders and marble fireplaces. The main staircase, dating from the Smith period, is constructed of oak with inlaid walnut handrails, treads, and landings. The open-well staircase features a balustrade with three balusters per step, incorporating two spirals with a fluted columnar baluster between them, alongside moulded tread ends, a handrail and dado. A contemporary plaster ceiling with oval moulding and a rich modillion cornice sits above. The Chinese Room, on the first floor, is characterised by painted silk panels framed with imitation bamboo, drapes, and appropriate furnishings, reflecting Regency-era tastes. The house remains decorated with a significant collection of paintings and furnishings belonging to the Sandys family. The grounds contain notable specimen trees, including two immense Wellingtonias and the second-largest European Larch in the British Isles.