Built / Designed For: Sir William Clavell
House & Family History: The Clavell family purchased the manor of Kimmeridge and its rectory from the Uvedale family in 1554 for £640 (approximately £2.7 million in 2016 inflation-adjusted values using the labour value commodity index). Sir William Clavell commanded troops in Ireland for Elizabeth I and was knighted by her; he built the original house in the 1620s. Of Sir William's house, the west facade, of five bays by two stories with Purbeck stone dressings and a parapet, remains. There is also a fine doorcase with a hood on carved brackets. Circa 1700 Edward Clavell rebuilt the sea-facing façade of the house, which was followed by the new main front (the north range, or entrance facade) of the house in 1761 by George Clavell, the last of the male line. The dining room is notable for its wall panels in the style of Kent.
Country Life: LXXVII, 62 plan, 1935.
Title: Buildings of England: Dorset, The
Author: Newman, John; Pevsner, Nikolaus
Year Published: 1999
Reference: pgs. 393-394
Publisher: London: Penguin Books
ISBN: 0140710442
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Gardens of England and Wales Open for Charity, 2003 (The Yellow Book)
Author: NA
Year Published: 2003
Reference: pg. 137
Publisher: Surrey: The National Gardens Scheme Charitable Trust
ISBN: 0900558369
Book Type: Softback
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Not Listed
Current Seat / Home of: Philip Mansel
Past Seat / Home of: Sir William Clavell, early 17th century.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
Ownership Details: The house can be booked for weddings, events, and exclusive stays.
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://smedmorehouse.com/
Historic Houses Member: No