Horton Rounds and associated steps, walls and lamp posts

Horton Rounds and associated steps, walls and lamp posts

This is a distinctive two-storey house with attic study space, built from randomly coursed, square-cut local yellow stone on the ground floor, stair tower and chimney, with the first floor timber-boarded over a concrete slab. The roof is shingled timber with lined eaves.

The plan is unusually conceived, described by Pevsner as resembling a comma with a full stop linked by a bridge. The main circular section accommodates the living room, reception area and kitchen, while sleeping accommodation runs along the tail of the comma. The full stop is a separate circular guest wing containing accommodation and a small sitting area, linked to the principal range by a first-floor bridge.

Externally, the building is characterised by low-pitched roofs with deeply overhanging eaves that emphasise both the plan and horizontal lines. The principal elevation comprises continuous horizontal bands flowing around the building, interrupted only by vertical stone cores housing the stair towers and chimney. At ground level, a recessed stone-built undercroft is partially enclosed and contains a small entrance hall with spiral stair and lift serving the first floor. A secondary stair emerges adjacent to the kitchen. The undercroft also houses a carport with inspection pit, and is punctuated with timber doors and inverted semi-circular openings, some glazed. The overhanging first floor features a nearly continuous band of timber-framed windows. A lightweight balcony runs along the bedroom elevation, accessed from the corridor, master bedroom and kitchen. Another balcony, accessed from the lounge, has an external spiral stair. The west-facing guest wing has a recessed ground-floor storage area with first-floor accommodation.

The majority of accommodation occupies the first floor. Natural materials predominate throughout—timber and fair-faced stone with areas of white-painted render. Much original fitted furniture survives, particularly in the principal living space. Wood-lined ceilings express the roof-line internally, with clerestory windows in bedrooms. Windows are designed to drop down into the wall when opened. Bands of windows to the circular living room and study maximise garden views. At the living room's centre stands a stone fireplace and chimney, around which spiral stairs lead to the study, enclosing a snug adjacent to the chimney.

The garden, with its steps, paved surfaces, pond, lamps, walls and landscaping, forms an integral part of the original design, linked to different levels by stone steps, some incorporated from an earlier garden layout.