Dunphail House

Dated 1828 and 1871. William Playfair, 1828-9 mansion,

enlarged 1833 and 1842; alterations 1871, re-modelled Ronald

Phillips and Partners, 1964-6. Irregular picturesque

Italianate 2-storey house of differing roof heights with

long elevations N and S, and 3-stage tower at W gable with

shallow pyramidal roof. Pinned rubble, polished and tooled

ashlar sandstone dressings.

N ENTRANCE FRONT: 5-bay block at W of range fronted by wide

single storey advanced porch with engaged Roman Doric

columns, balustrade and recessed segmental-headed entrance

sheltering glazed doors under radial fanlight. Further 4-bay

range extends from E gable (datestone of 1871) with centre

shallow porch blocked as window. Further extensive walled

service court to S closed by 2-storey service dwelling with

shallow pyramidal roof (1842).

S GARDEN FRONT: symmetrical wide 3-bay block at W with

recessed centre bay spanned by balcony with decorative

balustrade supported by paired pilasters and sheltering

glazed entrance similar to N. (Re-modelled 1964-6). Mural

sundial on S face of tower; monogrammed plaque at N.

S front extends E with round-headed ground floor windows

beneath lean-to roof supported by substantial buttresses

dividing each window bay with end single bay with segmental-

headed loggia and higher 1st floor with round-headed

tripartite and shallow pyramidal roof. Multi-pane glazing

(some horizontal); renewed ridge stacks; piended slate roofs,

at W with platform roof and modillioned eaves.

INTERIOR: mainly re-modelled in 1965-6. Entrance lobby leads

to wide corridor hall through centre of W range to garden

door and verandah. (?Re-used) panelling with niches and

bookcases; plaster decoration to ceiling, overdoors, panelled

doors and some fluted pilasters delineating panelling.

DRAWING ROOM: carved wooden chimneypiece; overdoor and

panelled door with decorative beading; shallow coffering to

ceiling.

DINING ROOM: simple moulded detailing to ceiling; corniced

overdoor; marble topped radiator grill replaces former

chimneypiece; beaded mahogony door; panelled dado.

NW SITTING ROOM: ('Boys Room); re-used panelling, delineated

on inner wall in 3 by fluted Ionic pilasters. Round-headed

keystoned detailing; lugged and carved wooden chimneypiece

with swagged detailing.

STAIRCASE: barley-sugar twist turned wooden balusters; square

end newels with carved swags in relief and urn finials.