Trumpet Hill House
The Changing Life of an English Country House
The history of this late Victorian/early Edwardian house reflects the changing times and needs of society in England over the last 125 years.
Designed by architect David Joseph de Vincent Barry, the house embraces the school of thought that asymmetry is more stimulating for the mind than symmetry. Drawing from both the Arts and Crafts, and Neo Classical styles, with it's destinctive green tiles, Dutch gables, a copper domed tower, a Juliet balcony, stained glass windows, wood panelling and ornate plasterwork, it must have been a stimulating new home for a young family.
The building of Trumpet Hill House was begun in 1897 and completed in 1901. They used cutting edge technology for the time, with electric light, underfloor heating and the latest advances in indoor plumbing.
The House was turned into apartments after World War II, and remained so for the next 70 years.
No longer suitable for the ever changing requirements of multi occupancy in the 21st Century, the house has returned to being a family home.
The work of restoration is continuing slowly, as we do the majority of the work ourselves, with many discoveries, both exciting and challenging along the way.
The incongruous postwar kitchens and bathrooms have been removed and many original features have been unearthed, repaired and restored.
Some concessions for 21st Century living have been made, as there are no plans to reinstate the maidservants dormitories on the top floor of the house, or the accommodation for a butler in the basement!
We look forward to sharing our love for the house and it's history with you.
© Dominic Bellamy