| Summary : A country house built during the early 17th century for the Evelyn family, extended in the late 17th century and to the east in the 18th century by William Kent. Further extended and altered in the early 19th century by Francis Edwards and, following a fire, restored and enlarged by Henry Woodyer in 1877. The timber-framed core is now entirely brick-clad with terracotta decorations in the entrance to the north, cement render on the rear extensions with some tile hanging in the gables. The majority of the roofs are plain tiled with some slate roofs to the rear right. The original house was of compact multi-gabled plan with a U-shaped entrance court to the north, this remains the central core with the early 19th century wing to the left on the north side and Woodyer's extensions to the right, projecting to enclose the new courtyard. During the Second World War the house was used by the Canadian Army. In 1947 it was leased to the Home Office and used as a fire training centre, later becoming the national headquarters of the Fire Service College. Between 1981-86 it was used by British Telecom. In 1987 the building became a hotel and conference centre. A restoration of the building took place in 2001. |