Marshcourt, Grade I listed Edwardian villa in King's Somborne, England
Marshcourt is a spacious residential estate with an E-shaped floor plan built from clunch chalk blocks, Portland stone details, and red brick. The seven wide window bays define the elevations, while the surrounding gardens include sundials and pergolas that extend the outdoor living space.
Architect Edwin Lutyens designed this house between 1901 and 1905 for wealthy landowner H. Johnson. The project marked a turning point in English architecture, blending traditional country house elements with contemporary building methods.
The layout and materials reflect how wealthy families of the early 1900s wanted to live, combining comfort with style and craftsmanship. The gardens with their different zones and ornamental features were central to daily life and social standing.
Visit during spring and summer when the gardens and outdoor areas are most appealing to see. Access is limited to designated areas, so check beforehand which sections are open to the public.
The exterior walls are built from clunch chalk blocks, a local material now rarely used, which creates an unusual textured appearance on the surfaces. Lutyens frequently chose to source locally and adapt regional traditions to his contemporary designs.
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