Philipps House in the Vale of Wardour was built between 1814 and 1817 for William Wyndham IV. The Wyndham family purchased the estate in 1689 and the present house was built near the site of their earlier home.
The severe neo-classical house was designed by Jeffry Wyatt, better known for his association with the Gothic revival.
Wyatt is particularly remembered for his alterations to Windsor Castle. In 1824 George IV allowed the architect to change his surname to Wyatville to distinguish him from his famous uncle, James Wyatt, and in 1828 he was created Sir Jeffry Wyatville.
Philipps House, with its simplicity and lack of ornament, is an effective expression of the neo-classical theories which by 1800 had become widely accepted in England.
The two-storey, rectangular building was constructed of local Chilmark limestone from the same quarry that produced the stone for Salisbury Cathedral 600 years earlier.
The well-proportioned south facade, with its rows of sash windows and parapet, is dominated by a graceful Ionic portico which rises to the height of the building.
The kitchen wing which curves away from the main building is the only touch of asymmetry.
Wyatt also created austere and unadorned interiors with restrained and stylised mahogany doors, cornices and marble chimneypieces.
The major internal feature is the elegant staircase which rises through the heart of the house and is top-lit from a circular glazed lantern. The lower flight rises grandly from the centre of the hall and divides at a half-landing into two parallel stairs to the first floor.
Brass outlets can be seen in the flagstones of the hall below and these are remnants of the original underfloor heating system which was installed in the 1820s.
The undulating parkland surrounding Philipps House was landscaped in the 18th century around the Wyndhman's earlier house. There are some splendid specimen trees including a magnificent Spanish chestnut which was already flourishing in 1700.
In 1926 the Wyndham family sold the estate to Bertram Philipps, from whom the property now derives its name.
Philpps gave the estate to the National Trust in 1943.
The principal rooms on the ground floor of Philipps House are open to the public and access to Dinton Park is free.
2009: House: 4Apr-31Oct 10:00-13:00 Sat; 6 Apr-26 Oct 13:00-17:00 Mon. Park: daily.
Tel: 01722 716663 Philipps House Website
