Soane sent his pupil Frederick Meyer to make surveys of the Elizabethan manor house in September 1792. The surveys show the house as it stood when Mr Praed commissioned Soane for alterations. The house is a long and low stone building measuring approximately 150 feet in length, with two advanced double gabled wings and a recessed center. An attic is under the main roof. The north end of the ground floor is comprised of offices. A greenhouse is in the centre of the west front. The entrance leads into a large hall, which adjoins south-facing principal rooms and a central stairwell. Above these southern rooms and accessed by the principal staircase are two generous bedroom suites and the nursery apartments. Six more bedrooms are at the building's north end and accessed by a long corridor and another staircase. The attic is accessed by two staircases, containing servants' rooms lit by dormer windows.

The east elevation appears to have been refaced in the 18th century, as its mullion windows have been replaced by sash frames. The original core of the house probably consists of the central hall and north wing, including the large half-turn stair at the north-west. The south wing, with its principal staircase and eating room, is probably a later addition, providing a symmetrical plan. The single-storey dressing room and greenhouse on the west front are also probably later additions.

The old house was described by Richard Cumberland as 'a large venerable mansion on the banks of the Ouse'. The large dining room was decorated with the family arms.

Group

Digitisation of the Drawings Collection has been made possible through the generosity of the Leon Levy Foundation

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