Description

SWIMBRIDGE
SS 63 SW
8/182 Tordown House

GV II

House. C17 origins with possibly earlier fabric concealed, entirely remodelled in
late C18/early C19. Painted rendered stone, some cob. Asbestos slate roofs with
gable ends. Rendered stacks to each gable end and lateral stack to rear enclosed
in 2-storey outshut. Modillion cornice. Lack of symmetry to otherwise classical
facade suggests refronting of an earlier core, and indeed the original plan appears
to have been the typical 3-room and through-passage plan with rear lateral hall
stack, with an additional kitchen range added to left gable end, unaffected by the
later remodelling. 2 storeys and attic-storey. 4 window range of sashes, all 16-
paned except that above doorway which is 12-paned, all hornless and with original
glass. Doric porch with engaged columns and dentilled cornice. 6-panelled door
with upper 4 panels glazed and fittings intact, now enclosed by lean-to
conservatory stretching across 2 central bays. Kitchen range set back to left has
3-light C19 casement, 8-panes per light to left of doorway with two 2 light
casements above that to left with 6-panes per light that to right has 2 panes per
light. 2 storey outshuts to rear retain most of their original fenestration
including a round-arched stair window.
Interior: mainly intact from time of remodelling including joinery, window
shutters, dog-leg staircase with wreathed and moulded handrail ramped up to slender
newels. Painted surround to first floor fireplace in outshut. Water pump still in
use in kitchen range. Lime ash floors to service rooms. Tordown House was the
home of the Rev. John Russell from 1833.

Listing NGR: SS6344631315

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q26401473

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)
• 
  Farrow & Ball How to Decorate: Transform your home with paint & paper
• 
  Berkshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  Kent: North East and East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Somerset: North and Bristol: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)