Kit'S Close

SU 78 NE 6/7

FAWLEY BENHAM'S LANE Kit's Close

II

House. 1936-1937, by Christopher Nicholson, for Dr. Warren Crowe. Later slight alterations and swimming pool extension at S.W. end. Brick, laid in header bond with the headers set vertically, mostly rendered. Render on N.W. front whitewashed, render to S.E. now painted pink. Flat roofs. Whitewashed chimneys with revolving funnels. L-plan. Built in International Modern style. 2 storeys, with single storey service wing. Entrance front to N.W. has 4 bays of 2 and 3-light metal casements, one louvred, to left, and central staircase projection with glazed left side, blind wall curving back to right, and entrance in right side. Remainder of entrance front to right has curved ground floor wall behind flat porch canopy, barred wooden bay window with square panes, and 8-light metal casement to first floor. To far right is blind rendered wall and brick garden wall incorporating small glass-house. Glazing bars of glass- house have been removed. To left of entrance front is projecting service wing with 6 port-hole windows and garage. S.W. end has first floor projection on steel poles, one replaced by rendered pier, and later C20 verandah and swimming pool extension. Garden front has blank brick projection to left, and continuous casements to main centre block. Ground floor originally had large sliding wooden casements but now has fixed glazing in wooden frames of original size. Central French doors, later C20 opening plastic casement in right side. First floor has balcony with later C20 iron railings, metal casements and French doors, and right bay slightly recessed with flat projecting canopy over sleeping balcony. Set back to right is brick block with 10 small port-holes lighting servants' passage on first floor, and later C20 metal casements to right. Terrace, part with altered paving. Curved garden wall to far right. Exterior originally completely rendered and whitewashed. Interior: large ground floor room with central folding partition, plan inspired by shape of grand piano, and altered fireplace; cork-tiled winder staircase; fitted wooden shelves and cupboards with aluminium handles throughout. (Architectural Review Vol. LXXXIII, 1938 p. 305-309).

Listing NGR: SU7568286629