Erskine House

1826-28, Sir Robert Smirke. Large neo-Tudor 2-storey and basement mansion, ashlar with ogee-capped octagonal angle buttresses and arcaded parapets, low-pitched slated roofs with shafted chimneys. Entrance front on

east with full basement, asymmetrical with boldly projecting arched and vaulted porte-cochere of giant proportions, Jacobean shaped gables at southern section of facade. SE service wing 2-storey with lower storey linking to basement level, forming L-plan forecourt. N and S elevations elongated U-plan; N elevation 11 bays set on elevated terrace of cusped arcading, central 3 3-storey with projecting porch, broad end bays with 5 light canted bay, projecting ends 2 broad bays. 2 and 3 light mullioned and transomed windows. Interior work of major importance, high rising entrance hall of Fonthill type, rib-vaulted hall corridor, richly detailed principal apartments, notably fan-vaulted drawing room, original chimneypieces and light fittings of very high quality. First floor largely altered.