Restorations: Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire

About 1928 Ronnie and Nancy Tree began renting Kelmarsh Hall from Colonel Claude ‘Jubie’ Lancaster. To Nancy it was perfect and was very much the English version of her beloved Mirador. This was simple Palladian architecture at its best. Built by James Gibbs (1682-1754) in about 1730. With the assistance of her uncle, Paul Phipps, Kelmarsh Hall gained proper heating, electric light and several bathrooms.

Kelmarsh Hall, in the centre of the Pytchley Hunt, near Market Harborough, can be let furnished. for the hunting season, or unfurnished for four years or so, the residue of the lease held by Mr. Ronald Tree, M.P. The owner is Captain C. G. Lancaster. The house is vacated because Mr. Tree has bought an Oxfordshire seat. Ditchley Park, from Lord DiIlon's executors. … Kelmarsh was designed about 200 years ago by James Gibbs. architect of St. Mary-le-Strand and other churches, and The Senate House, Cambridge. During the erection of Kelmarsh changes were made in the design. judging from the house as it is shown in Gibbs's " Book or Architecture" and as it stands. Great improvements have made in Kelmarsh Hall. Under the supervision of Mr. Paul Phipps FRIBA during Mr. Tree's tenure. [Times 27 September 1934 page 22]

Reference    Times 27 September 1934 page 22
Reference    Adrian Tinniswood: The Long Weekend. Life in the Country House between the Wars