DiCamillo Companion
England

Smedmore House (Kimmeridge Manor)

  • 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

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