South Stableblock Approx 100 Metres East Of Woburn Abbey

The South Stableblock, located approximately 100 metres east of Woburn Abbey, is a Grade I listed building dating from around 1750. It was designed by Henry Flitcroft for John, the 4th Duke of Bedford. This stableblock forms a pair with another stableblock situated about 75 metres to the north and originally flanked the entrance to the main east front of Woburn Abbey, which has since been demolished. The building is constructed of ashlar stone and features hipped slate roofs, arranged in a quadrangular plan over two storeys.

The west elevation, facing the house, has a symmetrical five-bay facade. The central bay is highlighted by a triangular pediment supported by engaged paired Tuscan columns, which frame a round-arched recess. Above this bay is an octagonal drum topped with a dome, with Diocletian windows on either side of the drum. The outer bays are slightly projecting pavilions that feature Venetian windows on the ground floor and Diocletian windows on the first floor. The intervening bays each contain three sashes with glazing bars on both floors.

The north elevation also presents a symmetrical five-bay facade, with outer pavilions similar to those on the west elevation. The central bay features paired Tuscan pilasters flanking a round-headed carriage arch. The intervening ranges consist of five windows each, with round-headed sash windows with glazing bars on the ground floor and oculi with glazing bars on the first floor.

At the southwest and northeast angles of the building are two stretches of ashlar screen wall, which are possibly additions from around 1790 by Henry Holland. The southwest stretch originally connected the stableblock to the southeast angle of the house and features raised rectangular panels separated by pilaster strips. The northeast wall is accented with rusticated piers at the corners. The stableblock has been converted for commercial use.