Taverham Hall, Forecourt Balustrades And Gates

Taverham Hall, now a school, was built between 1858 and 1859 by David Brandon. It is constructed of red brick with stone dressings and decorations, and has slate roofs. The house comprises three-storied gabled wings arranged around a central light well overlooking the staircase hall, forming an asymmetrical block, with a lower two-story service wing projecting to the north. The design is Neo-Jacobean, featuring two- and three-light sash windows sliding behind stone mullions and transoms. Brick plinths are present, along with stone string courses at the first and second floor levels. Curved gables characterise each wing. The asymmetric entrance facade has eight windows, and a slightly off-centre porch under a gable. An octagonal turret, set upon a rectangular ground floor base, rises to a slate spire on the left side. A three-bay projecting stone porch features pilasters, semi-circular arches, and a pierced strapwork balustrade with ball finials. Double, half-glazed entrance doors are within. An achievement in a gable above the porch is topped by a lion finial supported by a corbel head. Wild beasts adorn the turret eaves. The symmetrical south facade has projecting wings at each end, each with achievements in the gables. Below, two-story rectangular bays are punctuated by pierced strapwork balustrades and urn finials. A central canted bay features engaged columns, an entablature, and a pierced strapwork parapet with urn finials. Clustered polygonal chimneys are topped with moulded caps and bases. The east forecourt, semi-circular in plan, is enclosed by a stone balustrade with urn-shaped balusters. Stone gate piers have pyramidal tops, and wrought iron gates include a monogram and overthrow on the north, south, and east sides. The interior retains good detail, including an entrance hall with a three-bay arcade and semi-circular arches at the south end. A window above the fireplace, with a semi-circular head, illuminates the staircase hall. This hall is arcaded on two sides, also with semi-circular arches. An asymmetric half-turn staircase rises with landings, featuring twisted balusters and pierced strapwork strings. Wood-grained, simulated inlaid doors are present. Living and dining rooms have significant plasterwork. Panelled walls are adorned with scrolled pedimented surrounds over doors, incorporating central medallions, and strapwork ceilings. A gilt buffet with a mirror is also present. Six-panel doors feature relief decoration, and gilt pelmets adorn the rooms. Marble fireplaces are found throughout, mostly with 19th-century cast iron grates.