Vernon Hill House

BISHOPS WALTHAM VERNON HILL SU 51 NE 4/6 Vernon Hill House 6.3.67 II

Country house. C18 vernacular building, with early C19 classical alterations to the front and Tudor to the rear, and mid C19 Gothic extension. Stucco walls with plain openings (hoodmoulds to the rear bay windows), parapet with balustrade and moulded cornice: the extension is of colourwashed brickwork in Flemish bond, with arcading of pointed arches to a verandah. Tile roof (hidden at the front by the parapet) of double pile to the main block, the extension made prominent by steepness, varied levels, and some hips. The rear (north) elevation of the main blocks (c1830) is plain, relieved by two-storeyed splayed bays at each side, of two storeys, 1.2.1 windows; casements, and a porch with an oval arch and stepped parapet. The front (south) elevation of the main block is of similar form at its east side, but the west side projects slightly as a tall symmetrical facade, with half-hexagonal full-height bays, enclosing a wide porch, of two storeys, 1.1.1:2 windows. Casements to the east, the facade with large sashes in reveals. The porch extends to the corner of each bay, of the Tuscan Order with balustraded parapet, with square columns enclosing round columns, an archi- trave with panels, fanlight with interlaced circular patterns, and a three- panelled (top glazed) door. The east extension has exaggerated tallness and varied form, the central part being a crosswing to the main block and with a pointed apse projecting towards the forecourt, and a lower front part, encircled by a verandah on south and west sides (touching the apse), with a brick wall pierced by pointed arches, and partly roofed with tiles, mostly with top glazing (now gone): tall tapered stacks repeat the Gothic appearance: the windows in the apse and an east-side oriel appear as tall mullions with central transomes but are very slender sashes: other windows being less-exaggerated or of vernac- ular form. The north-east corner of the L-shaped house, where the two different styles meet, comprises several linked service units, of varied form and height. Staircase within.

Listing NGR: SU5537618617