Description
Robert Mylne, architect, for James Murray of Broughton,
1763-5. Substantial, classically detailed country house.
Flanking wings raised and linking corridors added, Thomas
Boyd 1795. Extensive alterations and remodelling of interior,
addition of porch, 1833-7, J B Papworth. Grounds landscaped
by James Ramsay, late 18th-century Mid 20th-century extensive
and unsympathetic additions to flanking wings during
conversion to hotel.
Symmetrical layout, central 6-bay, pedimented, 3-storey
centre block linked by banded masonry corridor wings to
2-storey pavilions, further modern additions, especially to
left side. All built over deep basement. Polished granite
masonry with red sandstone architraves. Channelled to ground,
band course over ground.
CENTRAL BLOCK: 3-storey with 6 bays unusually arranged
1-2-2-1 with central 4 bays advanced under pediment with
oculus. To ground, projecting massive granite portico with
monolithic Doric columns supporting plain entablature,
pilastered porch, massive panelled doors. All windows single
light, red sandstone margins, sash and case with 12-pane
glazing, 2nd floor windows with 6-pane glazing. Heavy eaves
cornice, plain parapet. Tall corniced stacks, piend and
platform roof.
REAR ELEVATION: 3-bay with central 3-window bowed bay. Bowed
bay contains 2 storeys only, giving large formal rooms. 4-bay
flanks.
PAVILIONS AND COMMUNICATING WINGS: 3-bay, 2-storey wings link
main house to 5-bay, 2-storey pavilions. Pavilions and upper
floor of wings have bays defined by pilasters, heavy cornice
over ground, balustraded parapet to pavilions. 5-bay flanks
to pavilions similarly treated.
REAR ELEVATION: both the corridor wings have suffered
incongruous alterations, that to left with full-height glazed
front, that to right with flat roofed terrace. The pavilions
retain more of their original appearance being lesser
versions of the main block. 5-bay with central 3-window bowed
bay, all windows sash and case with multi-pane glazing.
Piended slate roof, tall corniced stacks.
Flanking and recessed from the pavilions are large modern
blocks giving bedroom accommodation.
INTERIOR: Mostly dating from Papworth's 1837 alterations.
Elaborate marble hall with deeply coffered ceiling. Elaborate
plaster cornice work to main public rooms. Dining room with
fruit and flower cornice; bow-ended drawingroom with coved
ceiling, elaborate carved timber or marble chimneypieces.