Police believe at least two people were involved in burglary at Levens Hall in Cumbria during which a rare Thomas Tompion clock was stolen. The cretins even managed to damage it so if you’re offered a particularly fine clock missing one of it’s feet then you may want to let the police know.
Full story: ‘Thieves steal clock from stately home worth £200,000‘
The acclaimed country house firm Robert Adam Architects has won an award for designing new classical houses.
More details: ‘Country house architect wins award‘ [Country Life]
A Twitter post from @Archispeak asking “Who coined the term “stately home” and when?” prompts the Times to delves into it’s archives to try and find an answer.
The earliest mention in their archives is from February 1847 in a story relating the terrible destruction by fire of Easton Lodge in Essex. A gallery of images of the house can also be found on the ‘Lost Heritage’ website: Easton Lodge
As to whether 1847 is really the earliest use of the term it seems unlikely – I’m sure with a bit of research something earlier can be found.
Blog post: ”Who invented the “stately home”?’‘ [The Times]
Following a decade of neglect and after facing 17 separate attempts to either ruin the setting through development or simply demolish the house, the gardens of The Salutation in Sandwich have finally been opened to the public following extensive restoration.
The house, now the private home of Dominic Parker, was designed and built between 1911-12 by one of the most important English architects, Sir Edwin Lutyens. The Salutation was heavily influenced, though built on a smaller scale , by the architecture of Sir Christopher Wren. The gardens were originally by Lutyens’ long-term collaborator Gertrude Jekyll and have been restored from a state of just “grass and weeds”.
This is an impressive restoration and has saved a nationally important house from the hands of short-sighted developers who only see land and not history. Well-worth a visit if you are in the area.
Full story: ‘Stunning rebirth for beautiful stately home‘ [Kent News]
Prince Charles’ scheme to improve the setting of Kensington Palace has suffered a setback after his plans were described as looking ‘twee’ and like something that would appear in a “garden furniture catalogue”.
Originally a royal country retreat from the smells and noise of the Palace of Westminster, Kensington Palace is now part of central London and is somewhat blighted by the large hotel sited to the right as you approach from the busy Kensington High Street.
There is certainly room for improvement but perhaps a more interesting scheme could find favour by looking at enhancing the grand approaches rather than adding smaller details – certainly not enough long, tree-lined avenues are being planted these days.
Full story: ‘Prince Charles’ architecture charity backs ‘twee’ revamp of Kensington Palace’ [Daily Telegraph]
The Country Seat 