able to provide an exceedingly agreeable site for your residence, as I
learn that a supply of water may be obtained in the grounds, capable of
floating superficies of about fifty thousand square feet, and depth in
proportion. Accordingly I propose, after the manner shewn in the
accompanying ground sketch, (Plate I.) to avail myself of this
circumstance, in order to give animation to the now comparatively tame
and lifeless character of the place. The reservoir on the upper terrace
would keep the basin constantly filled to the level of the lower
terrace, before the water escapes into the valley below. By this means,
a sheet of water may be provided almost in the centre of the grounds,
and my plan suggests, that the house itself should be erected
immediately on the north shore of this artificial lake. On the spot
where I have placed it, the ground floor would be about fifty feet
above the level of the brook itself, and that part of the grounds
through which it runs, consequently would not be exposed to any
injurious exhalations from the lower grounds.
I need hardly point out to you the unusual agreeableness and even
piquant effect of a residence so situated; and when I send my plans for
the house itself, you will see what are the apartments that will occupy
this side of the building, and what a charming prospect they will
command of the lake immediately below, and the grounds on its opposite
banks. At present I will only remark as regards the increased effect
thus to be gained, that a building immediately on the edge of a piece
of water appears more considerable than in any other situation; and
that the reflected image of the architecture will form a brilliant
contrast to the darker reflections of trees and foliage. Besides which,
the most favourable point of distance for viewing the building itself
on this side, would thus become fixed--being that from the opposite
bank of the lake.
A very cursory examination of the plan of the ground will convince you,
that the whole of the buildings you require are massed together in one
group. Such an arrangement certainly contributes to convenience; and I
agree with you by shewing the various offices, instead of attempting to
mask or screen them, the house itself may be made to possess greater
importance and apparent extent; that is, you will get a large looking
country house at a small cost. It may be further remarked, that by
adopting such treatment of the plan, some kind of architectural
foreground is introduced into the prospects seen from the house itself,
together with much contrast and variety, and that too without incurring
unnecessary or extra expense, since the same accommodation must be
provided. Another advantage is, that the subordinate buildings of this
kind attached to the main structure, may be made use of as a kind of
connecting link between the more artificial and studied regularity of
the latter, and the natural objects in its immediate vicinity; without
which sort of intermediate transition, a house is apt to have the
appearance of a mushroom structure that has over night started up out
of the ground.
From the north east angle of the house, the stables extend northwards,
while the conservatories run in an eastern direction from the same
point. By this means an open avenue is left before the north side of
the house: and on the east side a flower garden, which is screened
towards the north. The piece of ground enclosed on two sides by the
stables and hothouses or conservatories, and therefore not exposed to
view from the house itself, would be occupied as the stable-yards, &c.
Further on, towards the upper terrace, is the fruit and kitchen garden,
stretching out more eastward. At the end of the conservatories is the
gardener's lodge, the upper part of which forms a small dovecot.
[Illustration: Plate I. Drawing of the ground plan and upper story.]
I have not yet said any thing of the west side of the house, although
it forms one of the principal elevations of the external designs, the
carriage entrance porch being placed there; the approach to which
latter is over a bridge, and by the road which runs to the south-west
towards the village. You therefore perceive that, before they actually
arrive, visitors will obtain a distinct view, across the lake, of the
entire range of the buildings from east to west; from the gardener's
lodge and tower along the line of south front and terrace, to the
bridge itself; of which group of architecture, the greater part, would
be reflected in the water, from which it appears immediately to rise
up.
You will observe, I have _not_ carried the approach to the house in a
curved or serpentine direction line, as is generally done, whereby the
object to which the visitor is hastening, is now seen and now again
suddenly lost sight of; but in a _straight line_, so that the building
displays itself more and more plainly to the eye at every step.
From the high road, the approach is on the north-east; and of the
portico lodge and gate at that entrance into the grounds, the sketch
prefixed to this letter will afford you an idea. The direction of the
drives and paths, the arrangement of the plantations and groups of
trees, wherein I have taken care that the greater part of the fine elms
shall remain untouched.
The source of the stream and the weir, from which the superfluous water
finds its way into the lower valley, would almost of course suggest the
propriety of erecting seats at those points of the grounds.
A more detailed description of the house follows by next post, with the
plans and elevations.[4]
Yours, &c.
A. C.
[4] Plate I. shews the ground plan, &c.
[Heading illustration]
LETTER VIII.
AT length I have sent my notions on the site, and _generally_ as to the
house with which I trust you are satisfied. Now that I come to more
particular description, and to speak of my design in detail, my
confidence is somewhat abated, it being exceedingly problematical how
far my ideas will accord with your own wishes and expectations. To the
best of my ability I have endeavoured to meet both; to fulfil the
conditions belonging to the particular subject and occasion; for be it
remarked, every production of art is like every poem, a composition on
some particular occasion or theme; and if it fails of its purposed aim
as such, it may be said to be a failure altogether, and doomed to
oblivion; or rather, in my case, to be stuck up as a monument of my
ignorance. All that I dare hope as yet, is that the drawings have not
been met with a hasty and decided "It won't do;" but that you at least
suspend your judgment until I explain more fully my ideas and the
motives which have guided me.
The principal sitting-rooms face the south, by which means they will
have not only the most favourable aspect, but as it so happens, the
best prospect also; therefore, so far you are not likely to start any
objection; neither, I presume, will any exception be taken at the
situation and aspect of the dining-room, which is towards the east;
which last circumstance has induced me almost, as a matter of course,
to place the entrance at the west, or opposite end of the house, it
being on many accounts objectionable; (with regard to quiet and
privacy,) to make the corridor, or inner vestibule running behind and
serving as the communication between the principal apartments
immediately connected with, or in continuation of the first entrance
into the house from the open air; for one reason, because it is hardly
possible in such case to prevent a continual current of cold air
through the whole of that part of the building. Another point here
attended to, is to place the dining-room beyond the other sitting
apartments, so that it shall be the last and the most distant from the
entrance. Attention to these circumstances have led to that arrangement
of the space afforded by the plan which I have adopted. In order both
to give some play to that part of the plan, and to avoid all
sky-lights, I have broken the north side of the plan by a small court;
surrounded on three sides by the house, in such manner that from the
corridors, &c. turned towards it, a free prospect of the court and
grounds shall present itself from various points of view; whereby an
architectural foreground, and the natural scenery beyond it are
combined; so that you feel yourself in every part of the house quite in
the country.
Permit me now to receive you at the entrance, and be your _cicerone_
over the building; in which character I must, before we proceed
further, call attention to the exterior of this part, as you will have
perceived by the designs it is carried up loftier than the rest, for
the purpose of breaking the outline, and of providing a conspicuous and
important feature in a distant view of the building. This tower-like
portion of the structure does not carry with it any formidable
appearance; it has neither battlements nor watch-turrets, for which
there exist no historical grounds. On the contrary, crowned by a rich
cupola roof, and ornamented with statues, it serves to announce that
the house belongs to a lover of the arts and muses, who may be supposed
here to enjoy at once, the refinements of literature and art, and the
beauties of cultivated nature. The ground floor of this mass of the
building is occupied by the entrance vestibule, which has a vaulted
ceiling whose arches descend rather low, and which is lighted
directly, by only a single small window at some distance from the
floor, but which receives a strong reflected light through the
doorways. It is highly desirable that a vestibule, entered immediately
from the open air, should be moderately lighted, in order that the eyes
may not be too much strained at first, but accustom themselves to
in-door light; and also that the other rooms may derive additional
effect from the contrast. Most assuredly too, a subdued degree of light
will suffice for a vestibule which is not intended for a sitting-room,
nor for reading, writing, or any other occupation, consequently, it
very properly admits of a kind of Rembrandtish effect, which here
becomes rather a merit than a defect; especially as it tends to set off
all that follows. A group of statues against the wall facing the
entrance, would here produce a good effect on account of the stream of
light which would fall upon it from the window, and would make a
pleasing impression on the visitor as soon as he had crossed the
threshold. Instead of seeing from this vestibule any of the other parts
of the house, the situation of the rooms, or those who may be passing
through the corridors, we have first to turn to the left, where we
perceive the staircase, not however exposed to full view, but merely so
as to allow the upper part of it to be seen through a screen, formed of
columns placed upon a lofty stylobate; which I conceive would produce a
more than ordinary picturesque bit of interior architecture. We do not,
however, enter the staircase, but pass on to the hall or inner
vestibule, which affords immediate access to the sitting-rooms. Perhaps
I may as well mention here, that the servants' hall, &c. for the
men-servants would be in the basement at this end of the house,
consequently would be just by the entrance.
The hall or inner vestibule is a spacious room overlooking the small
flower-court above mentioned, the avenue leading to the stables, and
the larger trees on the north side of the house. A small door opens
into the court, while one of rich architectural character forms the
entrance to the suite of rooms occupying the south or water front of
the building. This last mentioned doorway leads into a small anti-room,
right and left of which are two moderate sized drawing-rooms, capable
of being used as one when the company is numerous. The folding doors
being thrown open, and the smaller intermediate room becoming the
centre-piece of the triple apartment thus formed. In front of these
three rooms is an open loggia on a somewhat lower level, there being a
descent to it of four steps, looking immediately upon the water; this
loggia would form a sheltered terrace immediately connected with the
sitting-rooms which it would also serve to screen from the sun.
The library, which, according to your wishes, is made one of the
principal suite of rooms, is the last of those in this front, it being
on the south-east angle. It has an alcove or deeply recessed bay with a
window in it, which not only affords a very agreeable little snuggery,
bower, or whatever else you may term it, for reading or studying, or
meditating in apart, but also gives additional spaciousness and variety
to the whole apartment. From this room a jib or concealed door opens to
the small private staircase, and another of the same kind leads into
the flower garden. The larger door on the north side of the room, is
that by which we enter the dining-room, to which, as it is upon a lower
level, there is a descent of a few steps. The reason for this
difference of level is that the room being more spacious requires to be
of more height than the others, and also that it may be upon the same
level as the terrace looking out upon the flower garden.
Beyond the dining-room, is the serving room, and behind that the
kitchen, which, however, does not form part of the body of the house,
but is included in the same range of buildings as the stables, being
under the same roof. Attached to it is a kitchen court, and it is
connected with the rest of the house by the servants' staircase, which
last leads both down to the cellars and rooms in the basement, and to
those above for the female domestics, to the childrens' rooms, &c.
The stables and conservatories call for no other explanation than what
the drawings themselves supply; we will therefore now return to the
principal staircase, on one side of which are two rooms not yet
mentioned, one of which may be used as a business room.
On ascending the stairs, we have first two stranger's rooms on the
left, on the right a billiard-room in the tower, and an upper hall or
corridor over that below, and of the same size though not so lofty;
this would serve for the children to play in and exercise themselves in
winter or bad weather. On the south side of this are two sleeping, and
two sitting-rooms, the larger of which might be used as a winter
breakfast-room. The larger of the two sleeping-rooms, namely, that over
the library is the one you would yourself occupy, it being adjoining
the private staircase. On the south side of it is an alcove, raised a
few steps above the rest of the floor; and on the east a small
dressing-room looking out upon the flower garden. The upper part of the
tower contains two other handsome sleeping-rooms, which, as they
command a fine prospect, may be appropriated either to visitors or to
the grown up members of your family.
It has been my endeavour to give an agreeable variety, play and
contrast to the different parts of the interior, which I hope will not
displease you; and I trust that the drawings and descriptions of the
several apartments, their architectural character and decoration, which
will form the subject of my next letter, will shew that while I have
adhered to one uniform style throughout, I have neglected neither the
variety in the individual parts, nor harmony and unity of expression in
the ensemble, but have reconciled together those two, somewhat
contrary, yet highly desirable qualities.[5]
Yours, &c.
A. C.
[5] N.B. The Plates II. III. and IV. shew the south, north, and east
elevations.
[Decorative illustration]
[Heading illustration]
LETTER IX.
MY DEAR SIR,
FROM the two letters, and the accompanying plans, I think I fully
understand your views. On the whole I am much pleased with the design,
and own your example has fully supported your precepts; and bating all
pleasure to be derived from associations, as I have before noticed, I
willingly subscribe to your views, as to the beauty of the principles
of Grecian architecture applied as they have been in your pleasing
design. There are only two points on which, perhaps, you have allowed
your imagination to carry you too far: first, you have taken rather a
poetical notion of the means to be applied in building, what will, I
fear be a very expensive structure, and larger than was intended; and
next as regards the lake, on the borders of which you propose to place
the house. I fully subscribe to your notions as to the beauty which
would be gained by the proposed sheet of water, and feel all the
advantages of the broad expanse of light, and the extent and variety to
be derived from the reflection of the building in this natural mirror,
&c.; but there are disadvantages, some of which are not to be overcome,
and others, of which in my opinion, more than counterbalance all that
is to be gained in beauty and variety.
I suspect you have been misinformed as to the possibility of making the
lake as you propose, and next the expense to execute this perfectly and
so as to ensure that it should always be filled with fresh and
transparent water, would be very considerable, and indeed at times it
would be impossible to accomplish this at any cost. But our climate I
think is an insuperable objection to have a house actually bordering on
still water; recollect how few months in the year the notion of the
coolness of water would add pleasure to the prospect from the library
or drawing-room window, and how often one should shudder at the very
notion of it; moreover that according to our apportionment of the
seasons for town and country those very months will be passed in
London,--April, May, June, and generally July, being the time when
"every body is in town." Although I believe the neighbourhood of water
may not always be unwholesome, still there is much prejudice to
overcome on this subject; not a toothache, cold, or rheumatic twinge
would be felt by a person in the family, from the stable to the
drawing-room, but would be attributed to the _pond_, for when angry,
nobody would call it the LAKE; malignant malaria would be discussed in
every variety of tone and phrase, and Dr. Chambers would think it his
duty to enter his protest against any patient of his ever venturing to
make a visit of twenty-four hours to the proscribed spot. I am,
however, not sorry that you had conceived the notion of the lake,
because it has given an opportunity of shewing what a beautiful
accessory water becomes to a house, applied as you have suggested, and
because I believe you will have no difficulty in substituting some
broad expanse either of turf or gravel, which, though it will not give
you the reflections of the buildings and the play of light you require,
will still afford a flat surface for the receiving the shadows, and
will not interrupt the harmony and simplicity of the general lines of
your building. The loggia though it may not look out upon the water as
you propose, will always be delightful as affording shelter in the
winter, and shade in the summer; and the portico is, I think, a
valuable addition. Our unhappy rage for adaptation or rather perversion
of the Grecian portico; hitherto the portico has increased rather than
diminished, the distance which has to be traversed in cold and rainy
weather, from the door to the carriage. The perfection of this
maladaptation is to be seen in our unfortunate National Gallery, where
is annually erected a tarpaulin lean-to in order to prevent people
being drenched in rainy weather in their progress to the entrance door,
the access to which is opposed by an inaccessible portico. I quite
agree with you that there being no historical associations connected
with the site, it is right that the tower should have no battlements,
and should not show any angry front where no defence against invading
enemies, (whether chartists, socialists, or bread-taxing tories), is
intended. I agree in the advantage to be derived from the variety of
line and the grandeur of the tower, and am willing that the ornaments
you propose of statues should indicate (as it will truly) the
propensities of the owner, especially as terra cotta affords the means
at a small cost, of obtaining examples of fine statues. However, as
regards the shape of the tower, and especially the cupola, some doubts
of its beauty have been expressed, more however by others than myself,
though I cannot help feeling that, if this part partook more of the
tall tower of the modern Italian buildings, finishing with the nearly
flat roof and long projecting eaves, the effect would be more
picturesque and less pretending. I mention this merely for your
consideration, and am quite willing that your greater knowledge and
better taste should determine its shape.
As regards the exterior in general, I have little or nothing further to
suggest, except that I may observe that I have remarked in most of the
best modern houses the cornices and ornaments are in my opinion too
thin and minute, and this, I take it, is owing to the too servile
copying from buildings designed for a country where the sun shines
nearly throughout the year, and where the light colour of the material
(unstained by damp or weather) marks more sharply and completely the
light and shade than is the case in our gloomy season, and where the
walls are soon disfigured and weather-stained. Although I assume that
the project of the lake is to be abandoned, yet I should wish still
that the ground floor should be at least raised as much above the level
as it at present is. Although every facility of access to the gardens
and grounds is desirable in a country house, yet I think it is
disagreeable to be on an actual level with the walks; both from the
interior and from the exterior, it gives the notion of the house
springing from the earth as a mushroom, as you have observed. I will
now follow you through the building at your invitation, observing that
I agree as to the choice of aspects and the arrangements of the rooms.
With reference to this, the west is well arranged so as to avoid that
aspect for any of the rooms to be generally inhabited, and I subscribe
to the notion that the entrance should be somewhat gloomy, at least
enough so, as to create a feeling of pleasure on emerging into more
light. As regards the large hall, perhaps for the size and style of the
house there is a little too much sacrificed to it; but as I think it is
an object of importance to obtain an open and airy access to the whole
suit of rooms, and as this will afford ample scope for ornament, and
casts of statues and bas-reliefs, and perhaps fresco ornamental
painting, I am willing that some sacrifice should be made. The two
rooms beyond the staircase will be useful, and indeed are necessary. I
have already appropriated one as a gun room and audience chamber for
those whose shoes may not be clean enough to be admitted to the best
library.
I like the disposition of the two drawing-rooms; perhaps, however, it
may be worth consideration whether it may not be better to make some
sacrifice of symmetry, and convert them into two rooms, one large and
one small; keeping the small one at the end next the staircase, and
making it either octagon or circular; either shape is pleasing, and
admits of variety in decoration. In that case it would be advisable to
make separate entrances to each room for the interior hall: indeed, if
the present arrangement is retained, this may be desirable, so as to
avoid using the middle room entirely as a passage room. As regards the
library, I have no observation to make on its shape or disposition. I
assume that the two windows will sufficiently light it. At first I
thought that it might be advisable to have the means of shutting off
the recess by sliding doors from the large room, making a kind of inner
library or study of it; but I presume, as this would leave but one
window, the large room would be too dark. I think it would be desirable
that there should be an entrance to the dining-room across the hall and
through the corridor, as well as through the library. There might be
occasions where it may be inconvenient to pass through the library to
the dining-room, although this might be considered as the usual and
grand entrance. I do not see where you have placed your fire-place in
the library. I should conceive from its size, that you might want
either two fire-places, or at least one stove and one fireplace to warm
so large a room. The mention of fireplaces reminds me that I see no
chimneys in the drawing, I suppose they are hidden by the balustrade. I
shall be glad if this is so, as it will be well to get rid of so
unsightly an object as chimneys generally are.