Levens Hall

Levens Hall is a house and associated service wings arranged around a rear courtyard. The core of the building likely dates back to the 14th century, with significant development in the 16th century for the Bellingham family. Extensive remodeling occurred in the late 17th century for Colonel James Graham, evidenced by his initials and dates (1692 and 1691) on lead rainwater heads. Further alterations were made in the 1780s for Mary Andover, whose initials and dates (1787 and 1788) are also visible on rainwater heads. An early 19th-century tower, attributed to Webster of Kendal, was added to the rear.

The construction consists of limestone rubble walls, partly rendered, with sandstone dressings. The roof is graduated greenslate with stone and lead ridges, stone copings and kneelers, and substantial chimneys, some featuring tapered cylindrical stacks. The main house has cross-wings and later additions to the north and south, featuring a four-bay facade with an irregular arrangement, including a battlemented tower. Stone mullioned and transomed windows are present, most with hoodmoulds and decorative leaded glazing of varying dates and styles. A recessed central door is accessed by a flight of stone steps. Numerous lead rainwater pipes exist on all sides, featuring decorative straps and heads bearing various initials and dates, including IGD 1692, 1691, MA 1796, I & DG 1700, and gilded initials and dates of 1787 and 1788.

The east-facing return elevation incorporates a full-height canted bay window to the right and a square gabled bay to the left. A domed clock tower, dated 1788 and topped with a gilded ball finial, rises from the service wing. Inside, the house contains abundant 16th and later plasterwork and panelling, details of which can be found in the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments. The gardens, designed in the late 17th century by Monsieur Beamont for Colonel Graham, are of national importance and form a crucial part of the property’s setting.