West Woodhay House

WEST WOODHAY SU 36 SE 15/42 West Woodhay House

G.V. I Country house. 1635 altered and added to in 1881 by A.W. Blomfield, additions removed in 1951. English bond brick walls, plain tiled hipped roofs. Rectangular plan with symmetrical cross wings on East, C19 pavilion on North and C20 extension on West. 2 storeys and attic. Stone capped plinth, raised brick band at 1st floor and raised brick quoins, moulded brick architraves, terracotta eaves cornice with egg and dart mouldings, brick panelled and arcaded chimneys with offset and corniced caps. East Elevation: symmetrical, 2 large glazing bar sashes with exposed frames and one flat topped dormer to each cross wing, 3 glazing bar sashes with exposed frames and 3 pedimented dormers in central portion. Central projecting stone faced porch with engaged Ionic columns supporting entablature and blocking course, with central inscribed stone dated 1635, rusticated corners forming arched opening for pair of four panelled doors approached by 8 moulded stone steps. South Elevation: 5 glazing bar sashes with exposed frames and 3 flat topped dormers above central C19 square 3 window bay with panelled parapet incorporating stone inscribed "penfla hortum meum 1635" Interior: room to south has bolection moulded panelling and marble fine surround. Central stair-case hall has open well stair with turned balusters and carved square newels under papier maché ceiling depicting The Seasons. West Woodhay Manor is of great importance as one of the very earliest examples of the post-Jones Caroline house. Gables above the cornice were added above the cornice, and other alterations, by A.W. Blomfield, 1881, and removed C.1950. The medieval church south-east of the house was replaced by Sir John Vanbrugh, C.1718, in turn demolished by A.W. Blomfield with removal of church outside the gates, b.1882. V.C.H. Berkshire Vol.iv. p.242, B.O.E. Berkshire p.264.

Listing NGR: SU3850263258