Hardwicke Court, Georgian country house in Hardwicke, England
Hardwicke Court is a Georgian country house featuring a three-story central block with two-story side wings and Welsh slate roofing. The interior showcases Neo-classical marble fireplaces that reflect the refined design of its era.
Sir Robert Smirke designed and constructed the house between 1816 and 1817 for Thomas John Lloyd Baker, replacing a 16th-century manor. This new construction represented a major shift from earlier architectural styles to modern Georgian design.
The residence displays a bust of Granville Sharp, an abolitionist who was the uncle of the original owner's wife. This sculpture serves as a visible reminder of the family's connection to social reform movements of the era.
The house opens to visitors during specific summer dates, allowing exploration of both the Georgian architecture and surrounding landscaped gardens. It is best to check ahead for available dates, as opening times are seasonally limited.
The grounds contain an original canal from the early 18th-century gardens of the former Trye family estate, predating the current house. This waterway is a quiet reminder of earlier landscape design and shows how different historical periods overlap on the site.
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