Cave/Icehouse Situated At North Western End Of The Lake

The cave or icehouse located at the northwestern end of The Lake is a structure from the 18th or 19th century, built of red brick with some stone, likely for the Du Cane family. This unusual building features an arched entrance that faces the lake, flanked by arrowhead railings on either side of the central gateway. The cave is approximately 5 metres deep and 3 metres high.

Inside, there is a recess in the left wall at ground level, which has a lintel beam above it, suggesting it may have been a fireplace at one time. To the right of the entrance, a small tunnel about 6 metres long leads further into the structure. The rear wall includes a small central window opening and a doorway that leads down steps into the main icehouse.

The main feature is a central circular dome with a diameter of 4 metres, topped with a small moulded brick opening. This dome is supported by eight square brick pillars, each 3 metres high, with stone lintels spaced 1 metre apart. From the stone imposts of these pillars, brick ribs extend to pilasters on the outer wall, creating an outer vaulted walkway that is 1.5 metres wide, which may have been used as a game larder. Low walls with stone coping are present between some of the columns.

To the rear right, there is a low arched entrance tunnel, and to the rear left, a low archway leads into a smaller circular domed icehouse. The entire complex is covered by a large tree-covered mound, which is topped with a circular platform supported by gault brick walls. The platform is made of stone slabs, with the outer slabs secured by lead-covered iron cleats. Three moulded stone steps lead up to the platform above the cave. Notably, for a wager of £100, Peter Du Cane once had a man live in the cave for a year without washing or shaving. This icehouse is distinguished by its size and elaborate design.