The Shell Seat

The Shell Seat is a summer house built in the late 18th century. It is constructed from rubble and entirely faced with a variety of crystals, rocks, and shells, including mica, rough amethyst, ammonites, calcite, quartz crystals, brain corals, conch, and ormer shells. The structure has a semicircular plan and features half of a hemispherical vault with an open front and a slate roof.

The front includes a round arch with a large block of brain coral serving as an imitation keystone. The front face of the vault is adorned with a random assortment of stones and shells. Inside, the vault is divided into seven radiating bays by strips of ormer shells, which create white stripes, while the spaces between are faced with red crystals that transition in color from deep red at the center rear to lighter pink at the front. The stonework in the bays is interspersed with chips of crystal, creating an overall trompe l'oeil perspective effect.

Along the rear wall, there is a bench faced with crystals, and the floor is cobbled in a pattern that radiates from a central circle at the front.