Description

SP 12 NE
3/125

SWELL, (UPPER SWELL)
B 4077 (south side),
Abbotswood and Gatepiers to Stable Yard

(Previously listed as Abbotswood)

25.8.60

II

Country house. 1862. Extended and altered by Lutyens for Mark Fenwick. Coursed
rubble (the Lutyens work rough-faced), ashlar dressings (forming heavy contrast
in Lutyens work). Cotswold stone roof with coped verge and parapets to east-west
wing, hipped end to north wing; large rectangular ridged chimneys L-plan. Cotswold
style. 2½ storeys mullioned and transom windows, the 1867 work with drips and
rounded strings, the Lutyens work with flat flush mullions and transoms and this
segmental labels. The 1867 house has string over ground floor and at 1st floor
cill level. The main block lies east-west: 2 gables with ball finials, irregular
fenestration - ground floor windows altered by Lutyens, metal casements. The north
wing is at right angles, eaves type, cutting in at transom level of 1st floor
windows of main block 5 bays. 2 Cotswold dormer gables with kneelers, arched doorway
to right of centre with 2-light transom window over. Lutyens added large 2 bay
block with tall diagonal chimneys to left. The principal Lutyens addition is to
the west of the main block; 2½ storeys on basement; projecting gable to north with
roofs sweeping virtually to ground; central rusticated Ionic doorcase with open
segmental pediment containing initials and date; mounting block to right. The west
return has 2 tall projecting gables separated by a lower corniced link with bracket
pediment to central, altered window; cornice and parapet blocks to either side of
gables. Below central window is a rusticated half-dome niche with keystone mask
spouting water jets into circular pool. Bullseye window to left. Garden front
to south: 4 bay with projecting end gables containing 2 storey angled bays, part
of the 1867 house. Below 1st floor window on north side is a tablet commemorating
a lucky escape by a 6 year old Sartoris who fell out of it. Ashlar gatepiers with
ball finials, probably 1867, to stable yard at north end of north wing.

Listing NGR: SP1812126315

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Abbotswood, Gloucestershire at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q26516217

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

• 
  Nottinghamshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Oxfordshire: North and West (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Development and Design of Heritage Sensitive Sites: Strategies for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Old House Handbook: A Practical Guide to Care and Repair by Hunt. Roger ( 2008 ) Hardcover
• 
  Harrow on the Hill: A photographic portrayal of listed buildings and structures (Historic Buildings Picture Guides)