Argyle House, Gentle Street, Frome
Minerva undertook gentle cleaning, mortar trials, matching of the original
construction phase lime mortar and repointing with a mortar mix ashes to
this important local house. listing description outlined below.
First rated 1770 (probably built 1768-69). Built by the Thynne family. Later
lived in by the Dowager Duchess of Argyle (Mistress of the Robes to the Queen
died 1855). Coursed rubble, freestone features, chamfered plinth, rusticated
quoins, cornice and parapet. 2 storeys, attic and basement. 2 windows with architrave
heads, glazing bar sashes, outer windows Venetian. Keyed centre light. Single
round headed light in centre of 1st floor. Central panelled door, cross lower
panels, cusp-headed centre panels, architrave surround, pediment on brackets,
approached by 3 stops. Mansard pantile roof with one dormer. Return to north
has glazing bar sash attic window with flat moulded surround. Interior: ceiling
cornices possibly original. Original Chinese Chippendale staircase (an excellent
example of local joinery). The same pattern is used for lesser stair to attic.
