Chettle House

Chettle House is a red brick baroque mansion featuring curved walls, tall windows, and a three-story central pavilion dressed with detailed stone work across its exterior. Its floor plan is structured in an unusual way, with rounded lines replacing traditional corners throughout the building's layout.

A textile merchant and Member of Parliament named George Chafin commissioned the building in 1715 to replace an older structure on his inherited estate. The baroque design represented a modern approach that blended contemporary Italian influences with English building traditions.

The house reflects the tastes of its original owner through richly decorated interiors that showcase artistic choices popular among the English gentry of its time. The spaces reveal how a wealthy family displayed their status and interests through architecture and ornament.

The house sits on spacious grounds that can be reached from the main road and is open to visitors on specific days. It is best to plan your visit in advance, as access is available only during designated times and group bookings are preferred.

The building intentionally lacks straight angles at its corners, demonstrating architect Thomas Archer's application of Italian designer Francesco Borromini's principles to English country house design. This unusual approach makes it a rare example of continental baroque concepts being adapted for English estates.

Location: Chettle

Architectural style: English Baroque

GPS coordinates: 50.91810,-2.07051

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28