Description

PAINSWICK NEW STREET
SO 8609-8709 (Part)
(north west side)
8/164
Beacon House
21.10.55
GV I
Large town house, originally free-standing, now in row. 1766, possibly by John
Wood the Younger. Fine limestone ashlar, roof not visible, in copper. A near
symmetrical composition with centre 3 bays slightly stepped forward, rusticated
ground floor and balustraded parapet. Three storeys and basement, 1:3:1
windows, sashes with glazing bars except in bays one and two at ground and first
floors. At ground floor the heads have heavy triple rusticated keystones, at
first floor they are set to continuous podium below cills, and with balusters
below central 3; moulded architraves have straight cornice, segmental, pointed,
segmental pediments, and straight cornice respectively; second floor are square,
with moulded architraves. Central pair of C20 glazed doors in bold Gibbs
surround plus cornice; in far right set-back bay a second pair of doors. In
basement area, left, a segmental-headed door; a complex arrangement of steps and
railings gives access to left of main entry. Although thought to have been
built free-standing, the front is not quite symmetrical, the right recessed bay
being noticeably narrower than that to left. Broad chimney stacks are built in
as part of the balustrade return to the left. Interior a very rich ensemble,
including some fine rococo plaster decoration by William Stocking of Bristol to
the staircase, which has close set balusters, alternatively plain, fluted, or
tight spiral twisted, and swept handrail; entrance hall fully panelled, many
good panelled doors.
(country Life, July 16, 1953).

Listing NGR: SO8663409728

External Links

• Historic England Listing
• Beacon House at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q17526100

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Herefordshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Warwickshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Northumberland (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Sussex: East with Brighton and Hove (Buildings of England) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  The Listed Buildings and Other Principal Structures at the Royal Gunpowder Mills Waltham Abbey
• 
  Devon (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)