Knowles Residence, 64 Queens Promenade (formerly Kings Drive), Gynn Estate, Blackpool
The erection bas been commenced on the Gynn Estate, near Uncle Tom's Cabin, of what will be one of the most imposing private residences in the Fylde. Th villa is for Mr. Arthur T. Knowles from plans. prepared by Mr. Arthur Hindle C.E., Abingdon Street, and will have a frontage of 303 feet to the new King's Drive. Architecturally, it will have a very striking appearance. [Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 15 June 1906 page 5]
Building operations have lately been commenced in the erection of a marine residence for Mr. Arthur T. Knowles. As will be seen from the illustration, it has several novel architectural features and will constitute an imposing structure on the cliffs near to the present Uncle Tom's Cabin. The site is part of the Gynn Estate and contains 6,360 square yards. It has a frontage to the new Esplanade or King's Drive of 303 feet and is bounded on the north and south by Richmond Place and Shaftesbury Avenue respectively.
The residence contains on the ground floor large dining-room with a circular tower at the north-westerly corner, inner and outer entrance halls, large and small drawing-rooms, which are so arranged as to be available for use either as one or two rooms; conservatory, kitchen, lavatories, servery, butler's pantry.
The usual kitchen offices, with heating chamber, wine stores, etc., are in the basement, so arranged that, whilst being easily accessible from the domestic portion of the house, they are at the same time screened from the grounds and the living portions. The main entrance is from the garden on the east, the approach being through a loggia and an inner hall opening into a large staircase hall 20ft. by 20ft. The staircase has been designed to open to the full height of the building, and is surmounted by a circular dome giving light and effect to the staircase. A mezzanine lounge with circular windows overlooking the gardens opens from the staircase.
On the first floor will be four bedrooms, dressing-room, boudoir, bathroom and a balcony, also a small turret in which is a staircase giving access to the top of the circular tower. There are also five bedrooms on the second floor.
The materials proposed to be employed are Longridge wall stones with white Stainton (Ulverston) limestone dressings, for the exterior walls. Portions of the gables will be finished in half-timbered work richly carved, filled in. with irregular opal panels. A wide embattlemented terrace will form a feature of the front and north elevations.
It is proposed to construct the staircase in oak with richly elaborated panels, the dome over the stairs being carried on Corinthian columns. Oak will be the predominating wood for interior furnishings. The floors of the reception rooms will be of parquetry inlaid with teak, walnut, and oak, the loggia and conservatory floors being formed of marble terrazzo paving.
It will be seen from the sketch the idea aimed at has been to give a substantial baronial effect to the elevations, at the same time securing the maximum amount of sunlight to the living rooms. The conservatory and the three drawing-rooms are arranged en suite so as to render them easily available for receptions. At the Shaftesbury Avenue end of the site will be erected a caretaker's cottage and motor garage.
The tender of Messrs. Dryland and Preston has been accepted for the whole of the work; amounting to £4,200 exclusive of the cottage and garage. The sub-contractors for the work are:-Messrs. G. Collins and Sons, stonemasons; Mr. T. H. Smith, carpenter and joiner; Mr; J. Coulston, plumber, glazier, and painter; Mr. W. Ward, plasterer. The residence is being erected from plains prepared by and under the superintendence of Mr. Arthur Handle, C.E., 44, Abingdon street, Blackpool. [Fleetwood Express 13 June 1906 page 5]
Messrs Morrison and Roebuck electrical engineers, 4 Birley Street, Blackpool, have received the order for electric lighting, telephones and bells at the new residence of Mr Arthur Townlet Knowles, Kings Drive Bispham. [Blackpool Gazette 26 April 1907 page 8]
Reference Blackpool Gazette & Herald - Friday 15 June 1906 page 5
Reference Fleetwood Express 12 May 1906 page 4
Reference Fleetwood Express 13 June 1906 page 5 with illustration
Reference Blackpool Gazette 26 April 1907 page 8 – electrical installation