Hartham House

CORSHAM HARTHAM ST 87 SE 1/153 Hartham House 20 12 6o. GV II

Country House, 1790-5 by J. Wyatt for Lady A. James, much enlarged c1858 for T.H.A. Poynder and 1888 for J.D. Poynder by J. MacVicar Anderson. Ashlar with slate roofs, 2 to 3 storeys. The original house with centre 3-window canted bow and 2-window range each side survives in centre of south front. Twelve-pane sashes in architraves, raised plinth, band, sill course, moulded cornice and balustrade, shallow pediments over ground floor centre and first floor outer windows, curved pediment over first floor centre and flat cornices elsewhere. Early views show carved plaques over first floor windows, so facade possibly refaced. Extensions are all in similar style. East, entrance front of c1858, two storeys, 3-1-3 windows, centre recessed with tall segmental-pedimented doorcase set within projecting ashlar porch with Ionic columns paired with outer piers, entablature and balustrade. South end, adjoining original range, has canted bay to ground floor and 2 sashes above. West front, probably mostly of 1888, tall 3-storey south-west block with 3-window south front and one-window 2-storey link to original house, and lower 3-storey range running north with 2-storey canted bay at left end. Between 2 sections is 2-storey projection with Venetian opening to each floor and balustrade. To right glazed porch with Roman Doric columns. Rear north service ranges part enveloping a squared rubble stone range, originally 2- storey 3-3-3 windows with raised quoins and sashes, possibly late C18 or early C19, centre and left with later third storey added. Interiors are all either mid C19 or late C19 with mid C19 two- storey stair hall behind original range, late C19 library with fine bookcases at south-east angle and former dining-room at north-east angle with, probably mid C19, Jacobean-style pilasters. Throughout the house are very fine late C18 marble fireplaces notably in stair-hall, dining-room, library, one room on west front and possibly also in south side former picture gallery (fireplace now boxed in). On first floor similar fireplaces in 5 rooms. Estate belonged to Goddard family in C17 and C18, Lady James was heiress of E. Goddard. Poynder family of Hilmarton bought it c1855. Sold by Sir J.D. Poynder, 1st Lord Islington, c1920.

Listing NGR: ST8609872027