Open day at Smedmore House, Kimmeridge

This private house, one of the most delightful in Dorset, is open to the public on just two weekends each year.

The site was first built on by Sir William Clavell in the early 1600s. Its architecture history thereafter is confusing: in the early 18th century the house was entirely remodelled, as witnessed by the central section of the building as seen in this photograph. Further works to the house were carried out in 1761, resulting in the destruction of the south-western bay of its predecessor, and the construction of a new north-western range in Palladian style. It is this latest building phase which accounts for the discordant single-bay projection at the left of the facade seen in this photo.

Confused? Don't worry, just make a point of visiting Smedmore. It also has delightful gardens, and is very close to the dramatic Kimmeridge Bay.


NOTE: My original blipfoto for this day - which showed part of the 1761 facade and an array of MG cars - has been removed, as it did justice to neither subject.