Description

SU 46 SE HIGHCLERE HIGHCLERE PARK
2/30
16.5.66 Milford Lake House

I

Early C18, mid C19. A purlion or summerhouse, erected on the dam of a large
artificial lake, probably by Lord Pembroke or possible by William Kent, with additions
and renovation at the later date (by Barry). The wide facade (south-east) to the lake
is symmetrical, with a tall centrepiece, linked by low passageways on each side to
pedimented pavilions; the outer blocks have one window and the other units have each a
central doorway with a window on each side. Walling is in pale brickwork, with blue
header diaper patterns, with rustication at the corners and on each side of the
doorways, plinth; stone is used for the features, including modillion cornices,
flat-arched openings with keys, cills, and finials. The centrepiece has a blind arch
above the plain doorway, with a stone key, and rusticated spandrels, supported on
broad rusticated pilasters; at each side is a window with a stone arch and key, and a
panel above. The sides comprise rusticated pilasters. Across the whole centrepiece
is a cornice and above, in the centre, is a tall parapet containing a panel, with
another cornice and blocking course; on each side the wall curves downwards to the top
of the side pilasters. The end pavilions have a modillion cornice, arranged as a
pediment, a brickwork frieze (of pale diapers on a dark ground), a plain stone band
(which crosses the whole building as the impost band of the central arches). The
passage sections, topped by the 'impost' band, have rusticated pilasters on each side
of the arched doorways. At each point above corners or pilasters there are ball
finials, with an ornate vase in the middle of the centrepiece. Sashes in reveals;
panelled doors. Low-pitched slate roofing, above the central block is the square base
of a stack, with 4 flues separated by arches. The structure has been extended to the
rear, in matching style. Within the central entrance is a tall room, from which
corridors lead to the end pavilions; these interiors have the full classical
treatment, including a panelled ceiling, ornate doorcases and a mantelpiece.
Ref Colin. Biographical Dictionary of British Architects p 415.

Listing NGR: SU4436159744

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Wikidata Q17528219

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

• 
  Suffolk: East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Hampshire: Winchester and the North (The Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Gloucestershire 2: The Vale and The Forest of Dean: Vale and Forest of Dean Pt. 2 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Hertfordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  [(Shropshire)] [By (author) Nikolaus Pevsner] published on (January, 1958)
• 
  Specifications for Building Conservation: Volume 1: External Structure: Practical Examples v. 2