Bydown House

SWIMBRIDGE SS 62 NW 11/160 Bydown House 25.2.65 II*

Country house. Early C19. Architect not known. Painted stucco. Slate roofs with pronounced eaves. Rectangular on plan with principal rooms each side of wide entrance hall containing staircase. short projecting east wing of 3 storeys and service wing extending east to rear. Neo-classical style. Main range, 2 storeys symmetrical south and west fronts. South front of 3 bays with twin clasping pilasters at the corners and massive entablature above. Central pedimented bay breaks forward slightly, the pediment supported on pilasters outside engaged columns of giant Ionic order. Central sash. 2 over 2 panes above central pedimented doorway with partly glazed door with 6 large panes, 4 panes to the overlight and sidelights with 3 panes above panelled base. Bays to each side have tripartite sashes, 6 over 6 panes to centre and 4-paned sidelights above similar tripartite sashes but with 6 over 9 panes to the centre and 2 over 3 paned sidelights. Ground floor openings have pediments supported on moulded consoles. All openings have Greek key motif to the surrounds. The entablature continues around west front of 1:3:1 bays, the 3 central bays pedimented with pilasters flanking 4 engaged Ionic columns. Outer bays have tripartite sashes, central sashes are 12-paned. Central French window with margin glazing bars flanked by sashes with eared architraves, left side out bay has sash 6 over 9 panes with 2 over 3 paned sidelights. French window to right side. Ground floor openings have pediments supported on consoles. The east wing forms a squat 3-storeyed tower with tent roof, the upper floor windows in tall semicircular arched surrounds, with pointed arches to the top storey windows. Small reset plaque bearing shield with date and name 1759, J Nott to centre between the lower storey windows. Interior: principal rooms on west side and entrance hall retain good Classical details with richly moulded cornices and chimneypieces, pedimented doorcases with acroteria anthemion, and panelled doors. Fine geometrical staircase with oval stairwell light, and moulded string and wreathed handrail with turned balusters. Cross-vaulted ceilings to the entrance hall with foliated plaster centrepiece supported on Ionic columns.

Listing NGR: SS6229229394