Marsden Manor

RENDCOMB - SP 01 SW 2/241 Marsden Manor

GV II

Former C16-mid C17 farmhouse, altered and extended 1924 by one of the Cotswold Arts and Crafts Group architects for Col Fitzgerald (datestone on projecting stack on the east side of the south range). Limestone rubble with dressed stone quoins; rubble stacks some with dressed stone quoins; stone slate roof. 'T'-shaped plan to the earliest ranges at the centre (comprising 4 successive ranges); early C20 ranges added to the east and west and parallel to the east side of the earlier house, reflect the earlier plan form. 1 1/2, 2 and 2 1/2 storeys. Entrance (north) front with central gable, possibly part of the original farmhouse, with a 3-light stone-mullioned casement with transom; gablet to the C20 extension to the right with 2-light stone-muillioned casement to the first floor; part-glazed door within a moulded basket-headed surround with a stopped hood below; projecting stack and lean-to far right; stone-mullioned casements and a projecting 2-storey gable lit by stone-mullioned casements left of the central gable. Successive elements of the C17 farmhouse visible from the south west with a projecting bread oven to the 1 1/2 storey part. Gable-end of the parallel C20 range with a semi-circular archway on each side, projects out over a pool; plastered beams decorated with swimming fishes within 2 1/2 storey range visible from the south east probably represents part of the earlier house and has a flat-chamfered segmental-headed doorway in its east facing gable end; 3-light hollow-chamfered stone-mullioned casement reused in a flat-roofed extension to the left. Three and 4-light casements with unpainted oak frames to the C20 east range. All other windows are C20 stone- mullioned casements. Gable-end and axial stacks; projecting stacks play an important role in the C20 extensions. Interior of C17 farmhouse: inglenook fireplace; beams with deep flat chamfers; slate flag floor. Exposed possibly C16 roof with collar beams and curved windbracing over the hall containing the C20 staircase which has turned balusters (alternating with later C20 broomstick handles); traces of a further roof with curved windbracing within another part of the house. Panelled plastered ceiling to a formerly panelled upstairs room with the C20 range (panelling removed to Cliffordine House, Rendcomb); C20 panelling in the adjoining room. Handmade blue tiling in the bathroom; doorways with handmade thumb latches or simple wooden handles. Small Tudor-arched stone fireplace with later mantelshelf in the drawing room. (V.C.H., Vol Glos, Vol VII, p223; photograph of the unextended farmhouse in Particulars and plans of Rendcomb Park, 1913, Glos Colln. RV 248.1.) -

Listing NGR: SP0109411797