The Square

The Square is a stable courtyard dating to circa 1730, built for Sir Robert Walpole, later 1st Earl of Orford, and attributed to William Kent, with possible supervision by Thomas Ripley. It is a building of group value. The structure is largely constructed of coursed carstone, with some brick on the south and west facades, and brick with carstone dressings to the interior courtyard. The roof is covered with smut pantiles and slates. The layout comprises four ranges, 15 bays long on the east and west sides, and 13 bays long on the north and south sides, arranged around a central courtyard.

The east and west facades feature prominent three-bay centrepieces, while the north and south ranges each have six bays. Single-bay angle towers define the corners. The central bay of the east and west facades presents a raised, chamfered, rusticated keyed arch, leading to a boarded door. Flanking bays have boarded doors set beneath arches with fixed casement lunette heads, and each bay contains single two-light casements. The central bay is distinguished by raised, chamfered, rusticated quoins, and a third-floor Diocletian window. Flanking bays have lean-to half pediments supporting a central full pediment, executed in a pattern reminiscent of Palladio's Rendentore arrangements. The north and south ranges feature ground-floor blank bays supported by piers with simple bases and capitals; above these are arches containing fixed and opening casements. The end bays form angle towers with recessed blank bays and casements above the arches. The towers have raised and chamfered angle quoins, and octagonal third-story turrets topped with round arched oculuses, a cornice, and octagonal slated roofs. Decorative elements include four roundels on pedestals at parapet level, directly quoting Palladio's designs, and a coat of arms with swags in the central pediment. The facades are articulated with a ground-level plinth, a first-floor platband, and an eaves modillion cornice. The west range incorporates carved and brick blank arches on the ground floor. The structure incorporates elements derived from a late 17th-century house relating to Sir Robert Walpole’s grandfather. Four stacks are present on each ridge. The north facade features blank arches with lunettes, a central bay with a rusticated, keyed open arch, a third-floor Diocletian window, and a pediment. The south facade mirrors the west, with brick blank arches at ground level and two stacks per ridge. Contemporary two-leaf iron gates are situated within the entrance arches.

The courtyard facades, with 13 bays on the east and west ranges and 9 bays on the north and south ranges, mirror the details of the outer elevations. These facades are constructed of brick with carstone plinths, platbands, and modillion cornices, culminating in pediments. Contemporary two-leaf cast iron gates with speared dog rails and upper rails are fixed against the inner north and south entrances. Internally, the ground floor features brick quadripartite vaults. In the northeast section, there are 18th-century stalls with oak Doric columns and circular panels marking divisions, supported by rectangular oak piers which support the vaults. Later 19th-century loose boxes are also present. The west range has been largely converted into garages around 1900. Architectural drawings by Isaac Ware, published in Plans, Elevations and Sections of Houghton (1735, 1750 editions, pls. 33, 34), provide further insight.