The Marble House, Warwick, Warwickshire - Fine and Country Leamington Spa

A magnificent and charming Jacobean Grade II* listed property situated in half an acre that is believed to have been built circa 1650. Steeped in history this iconic building is referenced several times in local historical manuscripts. We understand the house to have been built by Richard Yardley. It was constructed from Ashlar Sandstone from a locally sourced quarry. The main elevation faces west and looks over Warwick Racecourse.
Francis Smith was a master builder and architect born in 1671 who died in 1737. Famous for rebuilding significant parts of Warwick after the great fire in September 1694 which decimated many of the town’s Tudor buildings. Francis was notorious for his contribution to many of the local area’s significant buildings of interest and churches including Stoneleigh Abbey and Umberslade Hall to name a few. It is believed that his mason’s yard was situated within the land of The Marble House whilst it was owned by the Yardley family. It is referred to in his will as “my Marble Yard”. William Parkes, one of the early industrialists of Warwick inherited the property from his father. He sympathetically extended the house in 1812 in the same Ashlar Sandstone with the addition of two symmetrical wings with crenellated parapets.
The current owners have undertaken an enormous renovation project converting the building from commercial premises back to as it was originally designed, a residential family home. It is rare to find a property of this age that has the benefit of being superbly adapted to accommodate modern living standards. The architect has achieved the impossible by retaining so much of the original charm of the building and its history whilst incorporating changes to the buildings flow and use of rooms. The result is a truly unique traditional building that has evolved seamlessly into a practical family home that is conducive to contemporary living.
In total there are three key reception rooms, six bedrooms four of which have private en-suites and three with walk-in dressing rooms. Within the main living quarters, there is a family room, dining room, breakfast kitchen, utility, study and cloakroom.
Within the grounds, there is a detached annexe/Lodge House that offers a range of versatile options. Currently used as garaging, gymnasium and leisure suite with living area and kitchen it could comfortably accommodate an extended family or be used to run a business.
Many of the original features of the building have been both preserved and featured in the design. Ensuring that the rich heritage has been maintained, the woodwork wherever possible has been restored to its former glory. Doors and visible beams have been blasted and stripped back. Fireplaces exposed and restored. The original oak floorboards have been restored in many of the key reception rooms and the entrance hallway.
Unusual for a house of this age, the property basks in natural light with many rooms benefiting from multiple windows looking out onto different aspects of the grounds. There are three separate glass roof lanterns and a well light to ensure that the building is bright and welcoming. The beautiful windows have been lovingly restored with secondary glazing incorporating 82 new panels supplied and fitted by Storm Glazing. The same company commissioned to maintain the portfolio of the National Trust. Many of the windows also feature custom designed shutters where restoration of the existing shutters was not possible.
As part of the renovation the current owners have integrated several changes including LED downlighting with dimmer switches, mains lamp lighting, Category 5 cabling, integrated sound system with Sonos and ceiling mounted speakers, a zoned alarm system, the en-suites all have underfloor heating and the building also benefits from a fully integrated sprinkler system. Outside the grounds and gardens have been designed and landscaped by Stratford-upon-Avon based Susanna Brown, a landscape, architect and garden designer.
For more information contact Jonathan Handford [e-mail] 07813 787474

[@garrychung6858]

Magnificent house

[@janevarney2235]

Great to see, what a beautiful property and right at the back of our house 😍

[@BillKing8888]

Interesting! (Although "practical family home" is not quite the phrase I would have used. )

[@finecountryleamingtonspa2283]

Bill King in our defence Bill we did sell it to a large family 😂

[@BillKing8888]

@@finecountryleamingtonspa2283 LOL - and it is certainly practical for parents when large numbers of children have places of their own.