Friar Park

Friar Park is a large house dating to 1889, designed by M. Clarke Edwards in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Built of brick with stone dressings, it has an irregular plan and features mullion and transom windows, gables, and elaborate chimneys. The entrance facade is characterized by a two-storied porch leading to a large traceried window and an octagonal lantern. To the right of the porch is an elaborate sundial set into the wall, terminating in an octagonal turret. A two-storied bow window with a curved gable sits to the left of the porch. The garden front incorporates numerous bay windows and is dominated by a large square tower rising to a pyramidal roof. The exterior displays extensive elaborately carved stone detailing. The interior is said to contain fine wood carving, executed by the School of Art from designs by Mr Carr. The gardens, which took twenty years to lay out, include constructed features such as grottos and caves. The buildings of the Friar Park estate form a group, along with the lower lodge, entrance walls, gates, and piers. These elements group with Ancastle Cottage opposite.