Encombe House

CORFE CASTLE ENCOMBE SY 94 78 9/87 Encombe House 20.11.59 GV II* Country House in grounds. Core probably C17, remodelled and enlarged between 1740 and 1770 for John Pitt. Architect unknown, but style reminiscent of Vanbrugh. Some internal remodelling after a fire in 1811, contractor William Bushrod of Weymouth. Further alterations and enlargement c1870 by Salvin for 3rd Earl of Eldon, including removal of vain entrance from south to north front. Ashlar stone walls, hipped slate roofs with parapets, ashlar stacks with moulded caps,central multiple stack with central arch. Irregular U-shaped plan. 2 storeys and attics. Main south (original entrance) front has central range with projecting wings each end. Plat band at first floor level, moulded cornice above first floor windows, parapet with recessed panels, moulded coping and ball finials. In centre section of main range, original door replaced by sash, framed by Tuscan columns and entablature. This flanked by 2 sashes with blank tympana over, with moulded arches, and imposts continued as string courses. 3 sashes on first floor. In attic, in centre, a raised pedimented dormer rising from parapet, with round-headed sash - parapet swept up to this. Each side of the central section, in main range, a 5-bay colonnade with Tuscan columns and entablature; these now glazed. First floor above these set back, with 2 sashes in each section. Projecting wings each end each have a slightly projecting inner section roofed at right angles to main range. One sash on each floor, those on ground floor with tympana and mouldings as described above. Outer sections, roofed parallel to main range, each have a central part-glazed round-headed door. 2 sashes, on ground floor, 3 on first floor. C19 service range at left end, set back in line with centre range of main building. Internally, Morning Room retains C18 ornamental panelled ceiling with central oval panel. Several late C18 - early C19 marble fireplace surrounds. Other interior features mainly c1870 - Salvin, including cut string stair in C18 style. (RCHM, Monument 11. Dorset. Vol. II. Country Life, issues of Jan 24 and 31, 1963).

Listing NGR: SY9445378571