Appuldurcombe

Appuldurcombe is a derelict mansion of outstanding architectural importance, built between 1701 and 1813 in phases by three successive owners: Sir Robert Worsley (1701–13), Richard Worsley (1770s), and the Earl of Yarborough (1820s). The architect is now considered to be John James, with alterations by James Wyatt in the 1770s and additions in the early 19th century. At the time of survey, the building was undergoing restoration by English Heritage.

The house is constructed of Isle of Wight greensand ashlar with Portland stone dressings and a slate roof with stone chimneystacks. Its plan consists of a central three-storey square block with four projecting pavilions at the corners. These pavilions are linked on the south front by a colonnade added in the 1830s, and a porte-cochere was added to the west front, also in the 1830s.

The principal or east elevation displays a central section of three storeys with five windows, flanked by projecting end pavilions of three bays. The sides of these pavilions contain two bays of blank niches. The central portion features a balustraded parapet incorporating paired chimneystack ends arranged as triumphal arches. Five restored six-paned windows with plain pilasters between bays are set beneath a modillion cornice between the second and first floors. Giant Corinthian pilasters frame the windows, with giant engaged columns flanking the entrance, which is surmounted by a deep cornice. A central oculus with a satyr mask and flanking drapery ornaments the composition. A large door with cornice and console brackets rises on two steps. Lower windows are restored 12-pane sashes in moulded architraves with triple keystones, the first-floor windows having aprons. A rusticated plinth runs below. The pavilions feature pediments with modillion cornices, giant Corinthian pilasters, and three renewed 12-pane sash windows with first-floor aprons and rusticated plinths and bands. The inward-facing sides of the pavilions each contain two blank round-headed niches in moulded architraves with keystones.

The south elevation comprises a three-storey central block with balustraded parapet and seven window openings (without sashes at the time of resurvey), separated by a modillion cornice between the first and second floors. Seven window openings to lower floors are finished with keystones. At each end, two-storey projecting pavilions are linked by a colonnade of six Tuscan columns with a cast iron balcony above, added by the Earl of Yarborough in the 1830s. The pavilions are rusticated with giant pilasters at each end; each first-floor pavilion contains one 12-pane sash and a round-headed niche at ground level, with a plinth below.

The west elevation displays a central three-storey block of five bays with a balustraded parapet and a moulded cornice between the first and second floors. Lower windows have keystones. Two end projecting pavilions of two storeys feature pediments, end giant pilasters, and three window spaces with keystones. The sides of these pavilions contain two blank niches. A one-storey porte-cochere is attached to the rear, with two entablatures supported by Tuscan columns.

The north elevation is of plain ashlar with a central three-storey block featuring a cornice and five window spaces, flanked by two-storey end pavilions of two bays. The north-east pavilion, which included the kitchen, was built only in the 1770s and has attached to it a portico with reused pilasters and cornice that led to a now-demolished laundry, added by the Earl of Yarborough.

The interior retains a great hall with a marble floor and some scagliola columns dating from the 1770s by James Wyatt. The kitchen preserves a large stone fireplace. Other internal fittings were removed after the building became derelict. A late 18th-century chimneypiece is known to be at Fulham Palace.

Appuldurcombe is recognised as one of the most significant houses of the English Baroque style and is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.