Photos: English Homes
Photos: English Homes
Photos: English Homes
Photos: English Homes
Photos: English Homes
Photos: English Homes
Photos: English Homes
Sitting with weight in the landscape, Buntingsdale Hall is the 1721 creation of renowned mason designer Francis Smith of Warwick. Commissioned by wealthy landowner Bulkeley Mackworth as his principle seat no expense was spared. A profundity of fine exterior ornament, tall arched windows, & elaborate interior decor all evidence Mr Mackworth’s largess & Mr. Smith’s creative skill.
Domineering proportions, gigantic order columns, broken pediments, & exaggerated keystones are all characteristic flourishes often employed by Mr. Smith & all are on glorious display at Buntingsdale. Alongside Francis Smith’s work nestles a lovely mid Victorian addition by another man named Smith, Samuel Pountney Smith of Shrewsbury. This provided a spacious ballroom, new dining room, & handy extra service areas. Though disturbing Francis Smith’s original symmetry, Samuel Smith’s addition is gracefully contextual. If only contemporary additions to historic properties were treated with such tact! Buntingsdale Hall’s significance was honored with a grade two listing in 1979. Despite spending a decade on English Heritage’s Historic Buildings at Risk register, Buntingsdale has happily since received a comprehensive restoration. Best Bits? The exaggerated cornice! Also, those wonderful circular windows!
More information on Buntingsdale Hall here.
Comments: