TR 04 NE WYE OLANTIGH ROAD (west side) 2/282 Olantigh; garden terraces and stable block GV II House. 1910-12 by A. Burnett Brown & E.R. Barrow for W.E. Sawbridge-Erle- Drax, incorporating portico of 1768. Red brick with ashlar dressing with plain tiled roof. Two storey main block on plinth with rusticated pilaster- quoins to modillion eaves cornice to hipped roof with stacks ranged left to right. Projecting central Ionic pediment, the central intercolumn space wider, with arms of John Sawbridge, Lord Mayor of London (1775) in pediment. Seven bay front, the square sashes on 1st floor with lugged segmentally headed and keyed ashlar surrounds, the ground floor glazing bar sashes with moulded architraves and cornices on brackets. Central double panelled door with side lights and traceried segmental fanlight, flanked by keyed and garlanded niches containing paired sculptures of children, representing the seasons, one signed A. Xavery, 1711 (an Antwerp sculptor). Canted bay to left return. Rear wings incorporate remains of C18 mansion extended mid C19. Interior: central corridor with coved ceiling with balustraded oval top light, and with fluted Ionic columns. Saloon, with balustraded balconies from upper corridor, ornate C19 ceiling, with large Corinthian screen, now overlooking garden, but in 1860's leading to a large picture gallery (demolished 1960). Balustraded staircase with half- landing. The House replaced one largely destroyed by fire 1903; the portico (originally in antis with equi-spaced columns) was some 70 feet to east on the large 3 storey C18 building. The C19 additions, with towers gave the name Olantigh Towers to the house. Garden terraces and platforms adjoin the house. C18 stable block with C19 3 stage tower immediately to west of main house. The architects were more noted for their surveying and maintenance work for the Masonic order; this is one of if not their major complete work. The seat from c.1250 successively of the Kempe family, then Thornhill (e.c17 to 1708), Sawbridge and Sawbridge. Erle-Drax and now Loudon families. (See C. Hussey, Country Life, July 24, July 31 and August 7, 1969). Listing NGR: TR0596248489