West Amesbury House

AMESBURY WEST AMESBURY SU 1441 (north west side)

11/81 West Amesbury House 10.1.53 GV I

House, C15, C17, altered in C18 and remodelled in early C20 by Detmar Blow. Flint and limestone chequerwork with stone quoins. Tiled roofs. Two storeys, cellars and attics. Front has two wide gabled bays with narrower linking bays, slightly inset, and containing main entrance. Half bay on east side C20, with parapet. Six x fielded and panelled door with margin glazed fanlight, over 4 semi-circular stone steps. Gabled bays replace narrower and cross wings and recessed centre with three gables. Ground floor of each bay has one 4-light stone-mullioned window, with recessed chamfered two-light windows to first floor with moulded architraves. Two- light attic windows with chamfered mullions. Coped gables with pineapple finials. Brick stacks. To left, carriage entrance through single storey stable wing (q.v.). Interior: Hallway with living room to left, dining room to right and stair to rear. Kitchen wing extended to rear on right. Left wing incorporates the parlour wing of a C15 house. Six trusses forming 5 equal bays; arched braced collars and 2 tiers of wind braces to purlins, the tapered principal rafters halved at apex. End trusses have weathered outer faces. First floor has chamfered 2-centred stone arch from upper floor of central block, perhaps a gallery. Ground floor has C15 moulded timber screen between lateral passage from stair, and kitchen. Opposite, C17 panelling. Main reception rooms have C18 panelling, panelled doors and shutters and eared fire surround to rear east room. Queen post and arched collar roof to main range, probably a heightening of earlier block. Stair has twisted balusters, early C18. (Country Life, 1st Sept. 1960; Headquarters of the Experimental Flying Group, 1939; NMR 50119)

Listing NGR: SU1422141491