| Description | Palladian house (J. Moyser and J. Paine, 2nd. qrtr. 18th c., with structural additions and additional interiors by R. Adam 1760s to 1780s) 18th to 20th c. outbuildings. On site of medieval priory (see PRN 3402). Set within pleasure grounds and landscape park laid out ca. 1730, posssibly from a design by Stephen Switzer, with 19th c. alterations. Pleasure ground trees, flowering shrubs and walks around 3 serpentine lakes. Ornamental follies include Gothic arch, menagerie, obelisk. Deer park with elm avenue to east of house. Immediate environs of house owned by National Trust; large proportion of remainder held in covenant by National Trust. However, areas of park (Foulby Park, Obelisk Park) to north and west of lakes apparently not under control of National Trust. Further evaluation of these areas required in advance of development.
A lottery heritage grant, granted November 2002, enabled the National Trust to take over 350 acres of parkland, along with a menagerie, boathouse, and lodge known as the Obelisk Lodge, the former gatekeeper's home. The grant will allow the parkland, which was part of the farming estate, to be opened to the public, and a programme of tree planting and returning arable fields to pasture is planned. Plans also include the restoration of Obelisk Lodge (The Guardian, Nov.5, 2002). |