St Antony'S Convent

LEWESTON ST 61 SW LEWESTON MANOR

2/57 Saint Antony's 11.7.51 Convent (formerly listed as Leweston Manor)

GV II*

Country house, now used as school. Late C18 - for William Gordon. West wing added mid-C19. Interior largely remodelled c.1930, - architect Maxwell Ayrton. Original house has ashlar stone walls, roof concealed behind parapet, ashlar stacks behind parapet. 2 storeys. On main front, centre section projects lightly. This pedimented, the pediment breaking through a raised solid parapet. Moulded cornice at base of parapet and a second moulded course at lower level. Central porch has balustraded parapet with solid angle piers capped with urns. Round-arched doorway in moulded arch with keystone and imposts, flanked by Ionic pilasters supporting parapet. Each side of porch, in centre bay, one elliptical arched sash with glazing bars in raised stone surround. 3 similar sashes on first floor. Coat of Arms in pediment. Each side of the centre bay, 2 similar sashes on each floor. Balustraded-parapet has solid angle and intermediate piers. Intermediate piers have ball finials; angle piers and parapet to centre bay have onion-shaped finials. C19 wing at right end has plastered walls and slate roof with eaves cornice and-coped gables. 2 storeys plus mezzanine. Sashes with glazing bars in stone surrounds. Attached to house at left end a stone balustraded terrace wall, with moulded coping. Pair of stone gatepiers with moulded caps and ball finials and iron gates - this c.1910. Internally most features c1930. Entrance hall has marble fireplace surround. Above this a mural of the estate incorporating clock and weathervane. Drawing Room has marble fireplace surround with mirror overmantel. Mural paintings of Persian hunting scenes and ceiling paintings of Zodiac, all by George Sheringham. Main stairs with bronze balustrade and ribbed glass handrail. Panelled doors in polygonal arched openings. Circular lobby to Staff Room designed as "Parrot's Cage", with bronze grilles and open dome. Mural paintings by George Sheringham behind grilles. Graded II* for interior - an Art Deco. period piece. Mid C20 additions not of special interest. (RCHM Monument 2. (Dorset. Vol.1) )

Listing NGR: ST6364312323