Beeston Hall

ASHMANHAUGH TG 32 SW

2/1 Beeston Hall

2.4.76

G.V. II*

House. 1784-87. Probably by Sir William Wilkins the Elder. Brick faced with knapped coursed flint and with ashlar dressings. Slate roof. 2 storeys and attics. North front bay system 2:3:2, the centre projecting. String course at first floor. Gothick style. Central gabled and glazed porch 1870 flanked by one ogeed window right and left. At first floor a central arched window flanked by ogee niches. Lateral bays with arched windows each floor below ashlar eaves cornice. All windows are sashes with glazing bars beneath hood moulds on labels. Gabled roof with 3 stacks each of 6 clustered flues. At corners octagonal pinnacles extend into crocketed finials. West gable wall pierced by 3 4-centred sashes each floor, 2 of which are blind. String course continues. 4-light 4-centred attic casement. All windows under hoods on labels as before. Crenellated gable. 7 bay south facade of 2 storeys. Ground floor sashes under 4-centred arches, first floor sashes square headed, all windows with glazing bars. String course, eaves cornice and crenellated parapet continue. East gable partly obscured by early C19 kitchen range. One 3-light attic casement and partly blocked first floor windows remain. Crenellated parapet. Interior. Gothic elements confined to entrance hall and scattered details in north rooms. South rooms in Georgian style, the 4-centred ground floor windows being square on interior. Hall. 4-centred ceiling plastered with thin arches, the apexes meeting on centre line. 4- centred roll moulded fireplace. 4-centred doorways under hoods on labels lead left (to staircase hall), right (to study) and ahead (to ante-room). Double doors enlivened by trefoiled arches. Rear of ante-room door Georgian panelled. Ante-Room is oval with flattened lateral walls. 4 semi-circular headed cupboard niches. Panelled doors in heavy surrounds reused from old Hall (demolished 1785) lead to Drawing and Dining rooms. Drawing Room with large frame wall panelling and leaf scroll cornice. Dining Room has dado. panelling and modillion cornice. Staircase. Open cut staircase with wreathed and ramped handrail on diamond section balusters. Scrolled tread ends. Balustrade returns at first floor to form gallery. Country Life 3 February 1983.

Listing NGR: TG3317521393