Description

HIGH WYCH ROAD
1.
5253
(North Side)
Bonks Hill House
TL 478 143:6/21
II
2.
C17 largely rebuilt and extended circa 1827 for the celebrated rose grower
Thomas Rivers (1789-1877) of Rivers Nursery adjoining (founded by John
Rivers in 1725 with Bonks Hill as the family house). Regency 2 storey L-
shaped stucco villa,with giant pilasters to front facing SE. Hipped slate
roof with plastered soffit panelled. Large gable stack to N end where 2
storey timberframed and weatherboarded section of older house remains. Long
1½ storey timberframed weatherboarded range encloses N side of front court.
Steep pantiled clasped purlin roof. Now storage, this range has a central
red brick chimney possibly indicating earlier domestic use. Yorkshire
casement window under eaves. This range is said to have been shortened at
the SE end when the road cutting was made in the late C19. 3 window stucco
front lined as ashlar over projecting plinth. Large recessed sashes with
6/6 panes and slender glazing bars. 4 giant pilasters framing 3 bays, the
central one narrower. Central round headed doorway with simple stucco
architrave with flattened torus moulding unbroken except for square
panelled impost blocks. Door set in recessed plain arch. Bolection
moulded panelled door with large bottom panel, a horizontal mid panel and
2 vertical panels above. Lobed radial fanlight with tapered lantern in
centre with 3 front faces. SW front symmetrical. Projecting plinth.
Stucco lined as ashlar. Central and corner pilasters. 2 broad full height
projections in panels between, pierced by windows. Recessed 6/6 paned
sashes. French doors to Gd floor. Projecting C19 single storey
conservatory next S corner. Elongated cast iron corner columns carrying
iron entablature with interlaced vine scroll frieze and coved cornice.
Glazed timber screens. A house of striking appearance in a picturesque
setting and with important historical horticultural connections (Country
Life, 25 June 1981, p 1838).

Listing NGR: TL4781514359

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26395360

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Listed Buildings and Other Heritage Assets
• 
  Building Small Projects (New Best of Fine Woodworking)
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  For the Record
• 
  Pioneers of Modern Design: From William Morris to Walter Gropius (Penguin Art & Architecture)