Asthall Manor House

ASTHALL SP2811 17/2 Ashtall Manor house 12/09/55 (Formerly listed as Asthall Manor with building in garden) GV II

Manor house. Probably early C17, with alterations c.1916, by C. Bateman. Stone coursed rubble; complex stone slate roof; various stone stacks. 2 storeys and attic; 5-window main range, towards churchyard, with projecting end bays. Stone porch to centre, dated 1916 to gable of roof, having plank door. 4-light stone mullion and transom windows with hoodmoulds to left of centre and to right of centre. 2-storey angled bays to end bays with stone mullion and transom windows and battlemented parapets. 4-light stone mullion and transom windows with hoodmoulds to first floor left of centre, and to right of centre. 3-light stone mullion window to centre with hoodmould. Cross-gables to end bays and to left and right of centre, having 3-light stone mullion windows with floating cornices. Hipped full dormer to centre. Wing to left: early C20, possibly incorporating earlier structure. Stone coursed rubble; complex stone slate roofs. Single-storey, 4-bay range ('building in garden') linking to 3-bay entrance lodge range of 2 storey and attic. Irregular fenestration of windows. and doors. Interior not inspected but likely to be of interest. History: built for Sir William Jones circa 1620. Bought by Lord Redesdale 1919. Home of the Mitford family 1919-1926. Nancy Mitford's childhood at Asthall was her inspiration for "Love in a Cold Climate" and "Pursuit of Love". (Buildings of England: Oxfordshire: 1979, pp425-6; Country Life: Vol XCVII, p1124; "The Mitford Family Album" Sophia Murphy, 1985)

Listing NGR: SP2867311382