[Luscombe] ([1815?])

I. Smith
  • image IMAGEFORDA4970
RepositoryLibraryShelf
Devon West Country Studies M SC0641
Illustration Reference
SC0641
Location
CD 11 DVD 2
Publication Details
Date
[1815?]
Place
Scope and Content
Williams, T.H. Picturesque excursions in Devonshire: the environs of Exeter. Exeter: T.H.Williams, 1815/16.Luscombe.The building owes its effect to the union of several fine parts, varying in figure and in elevation.The south front consists of a large octagon tower, united, by three of its sides, to the body of another part of the building; which is in a direction, east and west. On one side of the octagon is a most elegant ground veranda; with arches, buttresses, pinnacles, and battlements of Portland stone. On the other side, the beauty of proportion is balanced by a porch, decorated in the same manner as the veranda, and having a mullioned window deep within it. The lower part of the octagon contains two large pointed mullioned windows, and the intermediate sides, support a rich cluster of ivy, extending towards the battlements, which it promises, from its rapid growth, in a short time to overspread.To the north part of the building is attached a square tower, mantled with ivy, with three large open pointed arches; under these, is the entrance to the house. On the north side of the tower is an oriel window; a most picturesque addition, at any time, to the regularity of an extensive vertical plane. The east front, strictly speaking, is formed by a single part of an oblong figure, within which, are the pointed windows of the eating-room, and those belonging to the apartment over it, and the end of the veranda; but where there are so many projecting portions so delicately interwoven, it is hardly possible to make that kind of division, without diminishing the effect, or lessening the consequence of the whole. The view of Luscombe which is given, will sufficiently exemplify this observation, for the east end is represented; but, the side of the square, and one side of the octagon tower, and other parts, claim a share in the effect, and though not in the same plane, form the eastern aspect of the building. The western side contains the offices.The whole structure is enriched with battlements of Portland stone. The general effect of it is increased by a fine wood on the northern side, extending to the summit of the hill.[…] The highest part of Luscombe valley, is formed by one of the finest coombs, found throughout the whole extent of the steep sides of Haldown. This grand crescent has been planted, with the adjoining heights, about thirteen years; and they exhibit a luxuriance of growth, not less surprising than delightful.In going through, it is scarcely possible to consider these plantations, stretching in all directions, as only the growth of so short a period; the aspect being generally eastern, and opening in the direction of the sea. In various parts, the judicious thinning of the trees allow a disclosure of the steep sides of the valley: a great beauty in winter, by the uninterrupted extent of the green foliage it displays.[…]The fine wood on the northern side of the house, already mentioned, is increased in its effect by the extent of the plantations on the western part of it. At the eastern end, a rustic building, a model of the kind, is placed under its shade; opening on part of the village and the distant sea. A path near it, leads to the flower garden, and the conservatory.A foot-path leads from the house to the gardens; the part through which it passes, next to the coomb, and new plantations, is the most interesting of any of the grounds. It ascends through the wood, and leaving the rustic building on the right, continues for a short distance on an elevation : near this spot, the view of Luscombe was taken. From this beautiful eminence, and beneath the shade of fine trees, the whole extent of the valley is discovered; the view represents the upper part, but that below is more open, and the ground exhibits a greater extent of bold undulations, and scattered groups of trees; having much the effect, in breadth and expanse, of a park scene. It may be doubted, whether the prospect from this most enchanting spot, or that, on the high ground opposite, has the greatest attraction; each would, indeed, be a picturesque treasure anywhere.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]
Format
Copper l.engr
Dimensions
115x162mm
Series
S42. WILLIAMS, Thomas Hewitt: PICTURESQUE EXCURSIONS IN DEVONSHIRE: THE ENVIRONS OF EXETER. Pt. II. Description of Dawlish, Luscombe and Teignmouth.
Aspects
From park
Counties
Subjects
Dates
1815