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Raynham Hall
Raynham Hall is a wonderful 17th and 18th century house which is still in private ownership. The Marquess and Marchioness Townsend live there and this little character came out to greet us when we visited for a tour a couple of years ago. The interiors of the house were gorgeous and full of treasures but no internal photography was allowed. However, there is a wonderful book about it by Michael Ridgdill, if you would like to see more.…
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Beckford’s Tower
If you drive into Bath along the Lansdown Road you will pass Beckford’s Tower on the right. This extraordinary architectural folly was built in 1827 in the neoclassical style on Lansdown Hill. It was financed by an eccentric, wealthy local resident, William Beckford. He was an art collector, novelist, art collector and critic. He used the tower as a retreat and library, with the cupola at the top providing views over the surrounding countryside. However, as was sadly…
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The Old vs The New
One of our goals at ITES is to celebrate English Style and usually this focuses on pre-20th century architecture, art and interiors. Why? Because we love it! But how do we all feel about more modern examples and in particular how they sit alongside our older heritage? Here are some examples of newer art, architecture, furniture, and even fashion sitting alongside more recognisable earlier English style. We’d love to know your thoughts. Surely English Style should continue to…
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The Tulip Stairs
The sweeping Tulip Stairs are one of the original features of the Queen’s House in Greenwich. The building was designed by Inigo Jones for Anne of Denmark but was not completed until 1630, after her death. These stairs were also the first self-supporting spiral staircase designed in Britain. They must surely have been considered ground breaking at the timehttp://Queens House Greenwich
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The fate of one English Country House
If you are driving North on the M1 in Derbyshire, you might spot the majestic ruins of Sutton Scarsdale high up on the hill. Its roof is open to the sky, the sash windows are empty and the once fine interiors have been removed. This historic house was built between 1724 and 1729, for the 4th Earl of Scarsdale. He commissioned the architect Francis Smith to skilfully incorporate the earlier building of about 1469 within its layout. The…
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The Hunting Tower at Chatsworth
Our New Year adventure has begun with keys to the Hunting Tower at Chatsworth
