Fernhill Park

Fernhill Park is a large country house situated within parkland, dating to the early 18th century and altered in the 19th and mid-20th centuries. It is constructed of red brick in a Flemish bond pattern, with a steeply pitched, hipped tile roof. The house follows an H-plan, presenting a shallow U-shaped appearance on each side, with a stable block and service wing adjoining it to the south-east.

The exterior is two storeys and attics, with a rendered plinth, except in the central section which features moulded brick. A brick band is visible at the first floor, incorporating some blue headers, and there's a deep moulded eaves cornice with square modillions. Several dormers are present, those in the central section displaying alternating triangular and segmental pediments, while others are painted with semicircular pediments. Tall ridge chimneys, each with multiple stacks, corniced heads, and clay pots, are also noteworthy. Sash windows with glazing bars are fitted with gauged brick arched heads and louvred shutters.

The north-east front, which serves as the main entrance front, is symmetrical with eleven bays, seven in the central section and two in each projecting end wing. A three-bay projecting centrepiece features a pediment and a similar cornice. A projecting, three-bay enclosed ground floor porch was added in the 19th century, complete with four Tuscan columns and an entablature with a modillion and dentil cornice. The double doors are half-glazed, with a rectangular overlight, and the inner double doors are intricately carved with scrolls and foliate decoration.

The south-east, or garden front, is also symmetrical and in a similar style. A long ground floor loggia extends between the side wings, with a balustraded balcony above. Round bays were added to the ends of the wings in the early 20th century.

Inside, the entrance hall features four Ionic columns supporting moulded, panelled beams. An open-well dog-leg staircase rises within, boasting a decorative plaster ceiling, a modillioned cornice enriched with egg-and-dart ornament. The staircase has a closed string with carved leaf ornament, turned balusters, and a moulded handrail. The ante-room includes a fireplace with a roll-moulded stone and carved wooden surround, and a mantelpiece decorated with bead and reel ornament. The drawing room features an elaborate plaster ceiling and a moulded ceiling cornice, enriched with floral decoration, bead and reel, and egg-and-dart ornament. A marble chimneypiece with Ionic engaged colonnettes, a foliated frieze, and a dentilled cornice adorns the room, along with a large mirror in a moulded surround and similar entablature.