Latest news with #VictorianArchitecture
Telegraph
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
This disastrous development could threaten every great building in Britain
Not for the first time, I find myself thinking about London's Liverpool Street station, a great Victorian building that Network Rail seeks to destroy by putting a horrible skyscraper over the top of its concourse. The City of London's planning authorities have already vetoed one unsuitable idea; now a less radical, but still aesthetically destructive, blueprint by the architectural practice Acme has been prepared, and has passed the first hurdle with the City's planners. Largely because the leader of the campaign to save the station is Griff Rhys Jones, the celebrated comedian – and he is leading it superbly – some in the media have been keen to describe what is going on as a battle between him and a rapacious developer: a prism further distorted recently by the fact that the developers have hired a lobbying company run by a former adviser to Boris Johnson. Given how ignominiously Johnson ended up, one might have thought they would have looked elsewhere; and it has been found that the lobbyist has resorted to using employees of the developer's architect to write on social media in support of the project. It is patently very hard to find members of the public who wish to profess their admiration for the swamping of this fine Victorian building by a vast skyscraper. The station is perfectly all right as it is – I use it two or three times a week for return journeys from Essex – and this proposal is mainly about the exploitation of real estate. The Eastern counties are becoming more populous and the station may well need more capacity; how this is achieved by putting a skyscraper over it is beyond most people. In fact, the real issue about Liverpool Street is that if the latest plan were to go ahead, it could put every great building in the country at risk. The Victorian edifice and train shed at the station are Grade II listed: if a skyscraper is allowed to be built over the concourse between them, then what does that say about the protection of the country's architectural heritage? We are taken back to the relentless decision in 1961 to destroy the Euston Arch, and to an era in which little value was placed on fine 19th-century buildings. Network Rail is preening itself about the contention that its new proposals do not impinge on the Victorian building. But what is now proposed would violate the environment of these great buildings, and it should be rejected to preserve the City's character. You wouldn't stick a skyscraper over the top of a fine Grade II-listed church or fine house, so why is it all right to stick one over Liverpool Street? We as a people have become enormously protective of our architecture, perhaps in response to the ruthless and ignorant demolition of fine 18th- and 19th-century buildings in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The listing process was meant to put a stop to that. More than 2,000 people and almost every relevant heritage body in the country objected to the last plan, and it was discarded. This new plan is in some respects worse than the first, because of some of its intrinsic silliness – i.e. its pastiche entrance arches. And one can intuit all one needs to know about it in a remark by a Network Rail official that the proposed development would create an 'accessible and inclusive space', whatever that means. The logic of proceeding with these plans for Liverpool Street is that the City's planners allow such skyscrapers over and around every fine listed building in the Square Mile. A few minutes away on the Elizabeth Line is Canary Wharf, with so much free office space that some of it is being converted into flats. They want to build new retail space at Liverpool Street when all over the West End shops are empty. The increase in working from home and the ubiquity of online shopping have rendered plans such as Network Rail's utterly superfluous. The City authorities should reject it accordingly.
Bloomberg
03-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
A Historic Estate on the Banks of the Hudson River Is on Sale for $8.25 Million
In the late 17th century, the Livingston family acquired a roughly 160,000 acre tract straddling the Hudson River, where it ruled in semifeudal splendor for generations. Over the centuries, the inevitable accumulation of deaths, debts and taxes put a dent in their reign, and eventually the grand Livingston estates lining the Hudson were whittled down and parceled out. A few descendants still occupy their ancestral homes; other properties were sold off, exposed to the vicissitudes of the 20th century real estate market. One such property, an 1860s white clapboard Victorian perched on the edge of the Hudson River in Kingston, New York, is a prime example. Soldby the Livingston family somewhere around 1970, it gradually fell into disrepair. It was rehabbed in 2020 for a quick flip, after which its current owner, a venture capitalist named John Hendren, purchased the house. 'They brought it from 'about to fall over' to 'standing back up,'' Hendren explains, 'but they didn't do a high-end renovation.'
The Sun
01-07-2025
- The Sun
Inside the Victorian manor hotel that's surrounded by deer with luxury forest spa
LOCATED in the heart of the New Forest, Burley Manor can be described as a sanctuary for relaxation and exploration. The natural beauty of its grounds and its traditional Victorian architecture makes Burley Manor a picturesque place to stay. 8 8 Here's everything you need to know about the hotel, from how much rooms cost to what to eat at the restaurant. Where is the hotel? This stunning hotel is in the heart of the New Forest National park in the South of England. Surrounded by nature reserves and wildlife, Burley Manor is the perfect place for a rural escape. It's just a 14 minute drive from Sway railway station. What is the hotel like? Dating back to 1852, the Grade II listed Burley Manor oozes Victorian charm - and blends this with bright modern furnishings. The tranquil setting encourages you to unwind from the moment you arrive. Combining old-world charm with modern comforts in rural Hampshire, this manor is just a few minutes' walk from the roaming wild ponies in the quaint village of Burley. There's also an on-site spa offering luxurious treatments. What are the rooms like? We stayed in a spacious Grand Deluxe bedroom, but the Manor also offers luxury suites and stunning shepherds huts. The interior was bright and airy, whilst the antique furniture was in keeping with the manor's historical charm. 8 8 8 Deer have returned to Greenwich Park Grand king-size beds make for a restful night's sleep, and there are Temple Spa goodies included in each room. There is a wide range of rooms available, including Classic, Deluxe and Grand Deluxe. They also offer two luxury suites: the Burley Suite and the Garden suite. Each room is individually designed, to provide guests with the utmost comfort. Feeling like a night in? Treat yourself to room service, available 24 hours. Double rooms start from £150.50 a night on a B&B basis. Book here. What is there to eat and drink there? The Burley restaurant has a vibrant yet relaxed ambience and takes pride in its seasonal menus, which are created around local and sustainable ingredients. We loved our chicken dish, served with leeks and a potato doughnut. For something a bit lighter, afternoon tea and tapas light bites are available during the day. 8 The beautiful bar area is the perfect place to unwind after a country walk, or to retire after dinner for a nightcap. What else is there to do at the hotel? The terrace is a great sun trap from which to enjoy views of the nearby deer sanctuary. Additionally, Burley Manor also offer spa treatments at an extra cost. These include massages, facials and temple spa experiences. Is the hotel family friendly? To ensure a relaxed stay for all guests, only children over aged 13 are allowed to stay overnight at the hotel. Dogs are more than welcome for an extra charge of just £15 per night, with special accommodations provided for your pooch. Dogs are not allowed in dining areas, so Burley Manor requests you keep dogs in your room during mealtimes. Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, Burley Manor is accessible, with rooms on the ground floor available for guests, as well as special car parking facilities. You are encouraged to inquire for further details. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 8
BBC News
01-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dumfries' Ewart Library reopens with restored Victorian interior
The historic main library in Dumfries has officially reopened following months of restoration at the Ewart Library was designed to modernise facilities while uncovering original Victorian features of the Ewart closed in January to make time for "careful restoration" work, which revealed a mosaic floor and burnt-orange wall tiles. Local people from across the area attended the grand opening which featured a Ewart Library branded cake and balloons. The council said refurbishment at the Ewart focused on "maintaining and celebrating the building's heritage while bringing in modern elements to enhance the visitor experience."Work included "careful restoration" of original windows, mosaic flooring and foyer artwork and history boards were also installed telling the library's the building also saw modern upgrades to lighting, improved digital facilities and better accessibility. The building was designed in 1899 by Alan Burgess Crombie, who was from a family of Dumfries-based also designed other famous landmarks in the town, like Loreburn Hall and Rosefield of the library took five years; the large stained-glass window above the bifurcated foyer staircase was an original Shirely, the building's first librarian, also found the Guid Nychburris festival, that celebrated it's 90th anniversairy in 2022. Councillor Tracey Little - Dumfries Provost and self-proclaimed library "shoosh-er" - attended the celebrations."I love this building," Ms Little said."This used to be the only library in the whole of Dumfries. Any school holidays, I'd spend whole days in here."I'm really happy when I walked in I didn't see a different building inside. It's modernied, as in technology wise, it's modernised to make it more accessible. But it doesnt look modernised - the heritage is there."Ms Little said the funding in the library wasn't just an investment in a building, but in the Doonhamers it serves."If you're a job seeker you come here, and it's a safe place for children to come and learn and have fun - for all of us they're sanctuaries," she said.
News.com.au
22-06-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Carlton: Victorian masterpiece hits market
Steeped in history, this double-storey Carlton Victorian terrace was built circa 1890 and merges both contemporary urban living with timeless charm. 'We've lived in this beautiful brick heritage house for four years,' says the vendor. 'It has some classic Victorian architecture, combined with natural light from the northern aspect, which we've enjoyed.' Inside, original hardwood floors, four open fireplaces, and classic period features blend seamlessly with modern updates including stone benchtops and stainless-steel appliances in the light-filled kitchen. 'There's so much charm in the spacious rooms, high ceilings, and unique architectural elements typical of Victorian design, including the original stained-glass windows,' says the vendor. 'The natural light flooding through large windows during the day adds to the warmth and beauty of the space, making it a cosy haven.' Upstairs are three of the four bedrooms, two with access to the iron-laced balcony. 'It has so much warmth and character,' says the vendor. 'This is especially evident in the upstairs study where we've spent many hours looking north over the parklands.' The flexible layout has provided the perfect location for family get-togethers and entertaining. 'The house has been a gathering place for family and friends, hosting dinner parties, celebrating milestones, including university graduation dinners and a recent wedding,' he says. With rear lane access, the property also features a private courtyard, low-maintenance gardens and a separate studio at the rear, providing an additional space for work or accommodation. But it is perhaps the location, in one of Melbourne's most sought-after inner-city pockets, on the quiet tree-lined O'Grady St, that has been the highlight for the vendor and his growing family. 'One of the best aspects of living in Carlton North is the sense of community and the local parklands,' he says. 'The local cafes offer a perfect spot to unwind, and with an 8-month-old baby girl meant the parklands nearby are a perfect spot to hang out,' he says. The property is situated in a convenient location, zoned to Carlton North Primary School and within walking distance to a whole host of amenities, including public transport, RMIT, and Lygon Street. 'Carlton North is a vibrant suburb with proximity to Melbourne Uni and the hospital district,' says the vendor. 'It meant I could commute easily to Royal Melbourne and St Vincent's hospitals for work. Rathdowne Street's trendy coffee shops and cafes were where I spent most Saturday mornings.'
