Hoveton House

HOVETON TG 31 NW 7/54 Hoveton House 16.4.55 G.V. I

House. Circa 1680. Brick with ashlar dressings and plain tiled roofs. South front of 2 storeys and dormer attic in 11 bays. Centre 3 bays defined by giant order Corinthian pilasters, as are corners of elevation. Original door in centre now blocked with sash window inserted. Pair of fluted Corinthian pilasters support richly moulded entablature below pediment so riotously carved with vegetative motifs as to defy precise classification. Window above with ashlar architrave and capitals in form of 3 feathers (the Blofield crest). Window to right of door now enlarged as entrance, but not used as such since 1908. String course between storeys. All windows are C18 sashes, with glazing bars and gauged skewback arches. In addition each has a keystone penetrating into string course and carved with vegetable and heraldic devices, all different. Below windows are scrolled brick aprons. Facade further divided by 2 square rainwater downpipes with lead hoppers under deep coved eaves cornice. Over central 3 bays a pediment with 2 timber garlands and an oval keyed oculus. Hipped roof with 4 pedimented dormers, the central pair segmental. 2 square symmetrical ridge stacks. Rear of house of 2 storeys with 2 cross wings carrying Dutch gables, one with segmental pediment. Windows are all replaced casements. To east 2 storey gabled extension of 1851. Interior. Designed in 16 feet units. Irontwist staircase balusters support moulded and ramped handrail. Dado panelling to stairwell. 2 balusters to each tread. Drawing room and dining room with fireplace overmantels probably by Thomas Ivory c.1740; both have broken scrolled pediments with foliage carving and leaf trails. Dining room with similar doorcase. Alcove off principal bedroom with square c.1680 plaster ceiling with central rose and strapwork leaf trails.

Listing NGR: TG3196017573