Eshton Hall

Eshton Hall is a large house built between 1825 and 1827 by George Webster of Kendal for Matthew Wilson. It is constructed of ashlar with slate roofs. The main block is two storeys high and comprises five bays, though these vary significantly in width. The design is in the Elizabethan revival style. The parapet is continuous and flat-coped, except for the area above the porch, which features ornamental cresting; above the windows, the parapet is open strapwork. The windows are sash windows with glazing bars, but their appearance is disguised by mullions and transoms within decorative surrounds, creating the impression of five-light windows in the outer bays and cross windows in the inner bays of each side. The outer bays project, as does the two-storey porch on the south-east side, which has coupled Doric antae on each storey. The symmetry of the south-east elevation is disrupted on the north-east side by a short wing terminating in an octagonal turret of three stages, topped with a scalloped crest and original lead dome, displaying a weathervane inscribed "MW 1826". A service wing of dressed stone is also present on this side, extending for two storeys and nine bays, including a gabled gatehouse of earlier Tudor character, complete with an oriel window and gabled bellcote.

The interior is arranged around a central staircase of the Imperial type. The upper flights are supported by two Solomonic columns. The staircase features a closed string, heavy turned balusters, a deep openwork handrail, and panelled newels topped with urn finials. The lower walls are plain, but the upper stage has three blind arches to each wall, separated by paired panelled Doric pilasters. Above this, a lantern is supported by an octagonal cove with floriated finials, panels and lion masks. The entrance hall has similar pilasters, a rosetted frieze and a modillion cornice supporting a simple ribbed ceiling. The doors throughout the house are characterized by narrow vertical panels. The south-west side of the house is occupied by the drawing room and library, both featuring fireplaces with a shared design of coupled Ionic pilasters, in white and grey marble respectively. The dining room, on the opposite side of the house, continues the Doric pilasters and has a strapwork ceiling. This room also has a grey marble fireplace with fluted coupled pilasters. Along with Winderley Hall in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, Eshton Hall represents one of the earliest fully realized examples of the revived Elizabethan style.