Restoration: Nether Lypiatt Manor, Claypits Lane, Thrupp,

Seeing it in its present sound and well- cared-for condition, it is difficult to envision the sorry plight it was in when Mr. Woodall acquired it in 1914. Mr. Morley Horder, his architect, was faced with a difficult problem in deciding what could be done successfully (and economically). The house had been in a farmer’s occupation, and the interior woodwork especially had suffered mis-use. It was, indeed, an advanced derelict. Now, however, it is restored to very much its old self—an achievement for which Mr. Horder must be accorded much praise. The condition of the house necessitated extensive repair and new work, but there is nothing that jumps to the eye, the new work having been skilfully brought into accord with the old, and this without resort to any sort of architectural trickery.

On entering the hall, we see at once some of the old panelling which was originally in the rooms. This particular panelling, of pine, beech and elm, extends from floor to ceiling, and is a characteristic example of early eighteenth-century woodwork. There is a finely carved stone mantelpiece in the hall, its floral ornament exhibiting the newer manner which was then influencing the crafts as well as architectural design. A door opens on to the staircase landing, from which we gain access to two other rooms, the study to the left, the drawing-room to the right. The drawing-room extends across the whole width of the house, and is an exceedingly pleasant room. Its walls have a plain painted surface of a soft green tone, in contrast to which are rich blue damask hangings and seat coverings in the deep window recesses. Originally this room was hung with tapestries, but at some time towards the end of the last century they were removed, and are now in the Gloucester School of Art. They are said to be specimens of Mortlake tapestry and comprise three pieces, their subjects taken from the Book of Esther. What the effect of them must have been may be judged from the piece of tapestry which hangs in the dining-room, of which an illustration is given on this page.

Towards one end of the drawing- room the fireplace is set on the inner wall, while at the opposite end a built-in bookcase with central pediment fills the whole width. Here, as elsewhere in the house, there is some fine old furniture. The dining-room, at ground-floor level, was originally the kitchen of the house, and it was in the course of the recent restoration that its interesting old fireplace was uncovered. The panelling now on its walls did not belong originally to the house. It is, however, very happy in its setting. Of this and other work something will be said in another article. R. RANDAL PHILLIPs [Country Life 24 March 1923 page 415-416]

 ….. It soon afterwards became mortgaged, and about the time when the war commenced the surviving mortgagees sold it to Mr. A. W. Stanton, who resold it to Mr. Corbett W. Woodall, the present owner. Who the architect of the existing house was I have been unable to trace, but it is clearly the work of a capable designer. There is a good deal of individuality and character in its detailing, particularly in the porch, the window architraves and the cornice, the lowest member of which takes the form of a cove that sweeps up boldly from the wall face. The house is an exact square, with two outbuildings projecting to the south. These low buildings are puzzling, and it would seem that the architect intended similar buildings to the north. Although evidently of the same date as the house, they must have been afterthoughts, as the connection with the main building is weak and unhappy. To get complete symmetry from the west, the forecourt wall has been carried out to match these outbuildings in length and height; but there is no evidence of a roof. Possibly, it was thought that the house looked too gaunt when built, and these outbuildings were added to reduce the effect from the south. On this side of the house is a formal garden with a central path leading down between grass plots framed in by cut yew hedges, and a fine sycamore as focal point at the end of a newly planted avenue of limes.

On the east front is a feature that calls for a word of comment. It is the first-floor window, or what is a window to-day. There is no evidence of steps having been built here, but one cannot help feeling that this was the original purpose, and it would be an addition to the house if such steps were provided, as they would lead down conveniently from the drawing-room to the garden on this side of the house.The principal rooms were dealt with in the first article, and passing reference was made to the staircase. An illustration of it is now given, taken from the lower flight and looking up to the first-floor landing, which is marked by an alcove treatment. ‘This staircase is a very good piece of work, all in chestnut. It suffered considerably when the house was used as a farmhouse, but its solidity was proof even against this rough usage.

All the rooms except the drawing-room have their original bolection moulded panelling and stone fireplaces, although, unfortunately, the tapestry which occupied a space in each has been removed: some of it, as was stated in the first article, being now in the Gloucester Museum. ‘The effect of the panel- ling is well seen in the view here given of the study, which opens off the first-floor landing. The woodwork is now restored to its old tone, but when taken in hand it was found painted a virulent pink! An even more striking example of what was and what is may be seen in the smaller dining-room, on the floor below. The accompanying illustration shows what a delightful example of old panelling this possesses. There is Elizabethan oak scratch panelling on three sides, with walnut panelling on the fourth. This had been covered with six coats of paper and one of canvas. The principal bedrooms in the house were panelled, too, without a doubt, and a goodly portion remains. Where the panelling is missing, suitable damask covering has been put in place.

The work of restoration (which was carried out by Mr. Morley Horder in conjunction with his partner, (Mr. Briant A. Poulter) included also the provision of such modern things as bathrooms—conveniences unknown at the time Nether Lypiatt was built. On the second floor the two principal bedrooms have each a dressing-room and bathroom en-suite. Thus, the old house comes into a new life, fashioned to accord with the needs of our own day. R. RANDAL PHILLIPS [Country Life 7 April 1923 page 483-484]