Fenton House

CAMDEN

TQ2686SW HAMPSTEAD GROVE 798-1/16/733 (West side) 11/08/50 No.3 Fenton House

GV I

Detached house. c1693 (scratched on chimney-stack); remodelled, mostly internally, early C19 probably by PI Fenton, a Riga merchant who bought the house in 1793 and after whom it is named; substantial renovations, including the west extension probably by Lady Binning c1936. Rectangular plan with shallow wings on east facade. Brown brick with red brick dressings and plain brick band. Hipped tiled roof with tall brick chimney-stacks at angles, dormers (those to wings, weatherboarded) and reconstructed wooden modillion eaves cornice which continues around the house. EXTERIOR: 2 storeys, attic and basement. Gauged red brick flat arches to flush framed sashes with exposed boxing. Segmental arched basement windows with wrought-iron stay bars and casements. Lead rainwater pipes. East (entrance) front: fenestration 2:3:2, the central window being blind. Central recessed bay with early C19 distyle-in-antis Roman Doric portico; early C19 doorway with fluted surround, patterned fanlight and part-glazed door. Blind window with circular panel, formerly holding a clock, now inscribed "Fenton House 1963". Wings have balustraded parapets above cornice. South (garden) front: fenestration 1/2:3:1 1/2. Slightly projecting central bay with modillion pediment. Central doorway with fluted Doric pilasters carrying entablature and pediment; part glazed door. West front: C20 projecting 2 storey, 1 window brick bay. Parts of the upper floor cemented over. North front: 5 windows with central tall staircase window. C20 basement doorway. INTERIOR: good internal features including original staircases with twisted balusters, main rooms having original panelling, corner cupboards and good marble fireplaces. HISTORICAL NOTE: formerly known as Ostend House (early C18) and Clock House (later C18), Fenton House was left to the National Trust by Lady Binning in 1952 together with a collection of porcelain. It now also houses a collection of C17 & C18 harpsichords and spinets. (RCHME: London, Vol. II, West London: London: -1925: 40).

Listing NGR: TQ2632185956