English Country Houses
What is a country house and why does it deserve a special
mention in this history of Britain? Well, for a start, the country
house was a mansion built in, well, the country (sorry, I couldn't
resist). The term "country house" is practically synonymous
with "historic house", though of course houses of historical
interest may be found in British towns and cities also.
The country house as a style of building rose up in the relative peace
and prosperity of the Tudor age. There was no longer a pressing need
for defense in domestic buildings, so the aristocracy began lavishing
their money on houses designed to impress.
Showpiece Homes. The heyday of the country house was the 18th
century, and most of the examples that survive are from this period.
Many of these houses were built expressly to provide a showplace for
the art collections of the owners, and subsequent generations of collectors
have filled them to overflowing with marvelous collections of art
of all sorts (including the ubiquitous selection of family portraits).
Stourhead gardens |
Landscape gardens. Because these houses were built on large
country estates there was plenty of space for extensive gardens and
parkland. The landscape garden movement of the 18th century meant
that many of these houses have gardens that come right up to the doors
of the house. Many country houses are worth visiting just for a chance
to experience the magnificent gardens that surround them (examples
include Stowe,
Blenheim
Palace, and Stourhead).
Palladian houses. The predominant style of the early 18th century
was Palladian, based on the classical designs of Andreas Palladio,
and fostered by Lord Burlington among others. What makes a Palladian
country house? Generally, they were situated on rising ground, with
gardens stretching up to the "back door" from parkland below.
They were classical in style, with a large central portico and strong
vertical lines on the exterior. It was in the interior that these
country houses really shone, however. Furnishings were ornate and
designed to impress. Generally, a large entry hall led on to living
rooms meant for show. Bedrooms and dressing rooms were upstairs, while
the kitchen and the servants quarters were relegated to the basement.
It was terribly inconvenient, but it was magnificent! The best examples
of these Palladian country houses include; Holkham
Hall (Norfolk), Clandon Park (Surrey), and Nostell Priory (Yorkshire).
Classical Revival. Later in the 18th century design became
more refined. There was a passing fashion for Chinese elements in
decoration, but on the whole the inspiration was still classical Roman
and Greek, fostered by the newly excavated remains of buildings at
Pompeii. This "Classical Revival" period was characterized
by superb craftsmanship and design. From the foundations to the tiniest
detail of decoration you can see sophisticated, elegant excellence.
Rooms were well lit with large windows, and the natural light was
supplemented by numerous large mirrors.
What to see. The best country houses of this later period are
characterized by the work of Robert Adam at Syon
House (Middlesex), Harewood
House (Yorkshire), and Kedleston
Hall (Derbyshire), among many others.
Related:
Historic
Houses A-Z
Treasure
Houses on the Web
Stately Homes in Depth
History
Prehistory - Roman
Britain - Dark Ages - Medieval
Britain - The Tudor Era - The
Stuarts - Georgian Britain - The Victorian Age
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