Encombe House

Encombe House is a country house situated within its grounds, with a core dating probably from the 17th century, significantly remodelled and enlarged between 1740 and 1770 for John Pitt. The architect remains unknown, but the style draws parallels with that of Vanbrugh. The house suffered a fire in 1811 which prompted internal remodelling undertaken by William Bushrod of Weymouth. Further alterations and enlargement occurred around 1870 by Salvin for the 3rd Earl of Eldon, including the removal of the original entrance from the south front and its relocation to the north.

The house is constructed of ashlar stone, with hipped slate roofs, parapets, and ashlar stacks featuring moulded caps, including a central multiple stack with a central arch. It has an irregular U-shaped plan, extending over two storeys and attics. The original south front, which served as the main entrance, features a central range flanked by projecting wings at each end. A plat band runs along the first floor, above which is a moulded cornice and a parapet with recessed panels, moulded coping, and ball finials. The central section of the main range originally contained an entrance, which has been replaced by a sash window framed by Tuscan columns and an entablature. This is flanked by two sashes with blank tympana over, incorporating moulded arches and imposts which continue as string courses. Three sashes are present on the first floor. A raised, pedimented dormer rises from the parapet in the centre of the attic, incorporating a round-headed sash, and the parapet sweeps upwards to accommodate this.

Each side of the central section of the main range is a five-bay colonnade with Tuscan columns and an entablature, now glazed. The first floor above these is set back, with two sashes in each section. The projecting wings each end have a slightly projecting inner section roofed at right angles to the main range. One sash is present on each floor, those on the ground floor mirroring the detail described above. The outer sections, roofed parallel to the main range, each have a central part-glazed round-headed door. Two sashes are located on the ground floor, and three on the first floor. An 19th-century service range is situated at the left end, set back in line with the centre range of the main building.

Internally, the Morning Room retains an 18th-century ornamental panelled ceiling with a central oval panel. Numerous late 18th and early 19th century marble fireplace surrounds are also present. Other interior features date primarily to around 1870 (Salvin), including a cut string staircase designed in the 18th-century style. Stop-chamfered spine beams with run-out stops are also present.