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distinct, while they would produce an effect contrasted to that of the largercolonnade. The staircase itself, with two flights of steps branching off’from the first one, is here rendered more important than—consideringthat it conducts only to bed chambers and dressing rooms—might underdifferent circumstances be deemed eligible; yet it is not more so thanis proper in this instance, where it forms a principal though distantfeature in the scene.
As some may, after all, be of opinion, that the apartments are rathertoo few, consistently with the style of living that is otherwise indicated,it may not be displeasing to them, if we now point out in what mannerthe whole might be converted into a very superior mansion, withoutgreatly deviating from the present plan, and that principally, by parti-ally filling up the open space behind the staircase. To effect this, whatis now the library might be made a second drawing room, and thelibrary placed beyond it; the study, &c. being removed to the other side,where the kitchen now is. Supposing the other offices to be in thebasement, the kitchen might then be placed on the same level, in thespace behind the staircase. Should there be no room built above, itmight be made as lofty as we pleased, and lighted entirely from theceiling. As a still further improvement, however, we should ratherrecommend some apartment on the level of the first landing on thestairs; and as windows immediately over those of the kitchen beneath,might be thought objectionable, this room might be lighted from above,and applied to the purpose either of a picture cabinet or library; in thelatter case, thus obtaining a third or morning room, beyond the twodrawing rooms. The cabinet, or whatever else it might be, would be anoccasion for taking visitors partly up the staircase, and would thusjustify the display there made; at the same time it would be raised solittle above the rest of the ground floor, that it might almost be con-sidered as forming a part of it.
A plan shewing the proposed alteration, will be given in the Supple-mentary Volume.
Estimated cost, finished with brick, and stucco fronts, stone cornice and plinths, £4930.Extra if with stone ashlar fronts, £ 936.