Wellington Lodge

Wellington Lodge is a villa constructed between 1828 and 1829, originally for Richard Ware, a nurseryman and florist, to serve as his family residence. The building is constructed of stucco over brick, with concealed roof and stucco end and party-wall stacks. It has two storeys over a basement, featuring 3 windows on the first floor to the left, contained within a full-height canted bay, and a single-storey range to the left again. Stucco detailing includes a first-floor band, frieze, cornice, and a blocking course with copings. The canted bay windows have 2/2 horizontal-pane sashes, while the other ground and first-floor windows are 6/6 sashes set in plain reveals with sills. Basement windows are 2/2 and 8/8 sashes. The central entrance has four steps leading to a porch with double, part-glazed doors, an overlight, and a tented roof, set within a 5-panel door. The interior of the building has not been inspected. Richard Ware created a Botanic Garden on the site, originally including a conservatory, hothouses and greenhouses. He was also responsible for the layout of the pleasure grounds, walls, and rides at Pittville. The house was originally known as Victoria House. Built as part of a development initiated in 1825-42 by Joseph Pitt, the overall design was by the architect John Forbes. Wellington Lodge is situated within a group of listed buildings in Wellington Square, arranged around a central grassed area to create a notable group.