Description

SWIMBRIDGE
SS 62 NW
11/160
Bydown House
25.2.65
II*

Country house. Early C19. Architect not known. Painted stucco. Slate roofs
with pronounced eaves. Rectangular on plan with principal rooms each side of wide
entrance hall containing staircase. short projecting east wing of 3 storeys and
service wing extending east to rear. Neo-classical style. Main range, 2 storeys
symmetrical south and west fronts. South front of 3 bays with twin clasping
pilasters at the corners and massive entablature above. Central pedimented bay
breaks forward slightly, the pediment supported on pilasters outside engaged
columns of giant Ionic order. Central sash. 2 over 2 panes above central
pedimented doorway with partly glazed door with 6 large panes, 4 panes to the
overlight and sidelights with 3 panes above panelled base. Bays to each side have
tripartite sashes, 6 over 6 panes to centre and 4-paned sidelights above similar
tripartite sashes but with 6 over 9 panes to the centre and 2 over 3 paned
sidelights. Ground floor openings have pediments supported on moulded consoles.
All openings have Greek key motif to the surrounds. The entablature continues
around west front of 1:3:1 bays, the 3 central bays pedimented with pilasters
flanking 4 engaged Ionic columns. Outer bays have tripartite sashes, central
sashes are 12-paned. Central French window with margin glazing bars flanked by
sashes with eared architraves, left side out bay has sash 6 over 9 panes with 2
over 3 paned sidelights. French window to right side. Ground floor openings have
pediments supported on consoles. The east wing forms a squat 3-storeyed tower
with tent roof, the upper floor windows in tall semicircular arched surrounds,
with pointed arches to the top storey windows. Small reset plaque bearing shield
with date and name 1759, J Nott to centre between the lower storey windows.
Interior: principal rooms on west side and entrance hall retain good Classical
details with richly moulded cornices and chimneypieces, pedimented doorcases with
acroteria anthemion, and panelled doors. Fine geometrical staircase with oval
stairwell light, and moulded string and wreathed handrail with turned balusters.
Cross-vaulted ceilings to the entrance hall with foliated plaster centrepiece
supported on Ionic columns.

Listing NGR: SS6229229394

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q17532118

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

• 
  Pevsner's Architectural Glossary (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Introductions)
• 
  Worcestershire Revised Edition (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)
• 
  Lancashire: Manchester and the South-East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Department for Communities Listed Historic Buildings of Northern Ireland: Information Guide for the 2nd Survey of Historic Buildings
• 
  Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes (For Pros By Pros)