Studio: international art (66.1915)

Recent Designs in Domestic Architecture

BIRMINGHAM

ERNEST C. BEWLAY, F.R.I.B.A., ARCHITECT

HODSE AT EDGBASTON,

•windows rather than case-
ments.

The southern half of
Surrey, with its fine ranges
of hills and beautiful pine-
wood scenery, was dis-
covered many years ago as
an unrivalled residential
district within easy access
of London. Recent build-
ing activity, not including
the temporary structures
erected everywhere by the
War Department, have
shown that the various neighbourhoods have grown
in favour, and new houses of all descriptions
appear on the heights and on the verdant plains.
The motor-car is responsible to some extent for
this development and it is natural that many of
the buildings should be provided with extensive
garage accommodation for the use of the owner
and his visitors. In spite of all human intrusions,
however, this part of Surrey retains much of its
pristine beauty and charm.

Witley, like other places in Surrey, has long been
famous for its artistic associations—J. C. Hook,
Birket Foster, Arthur Melville, Mrs. Allingham,
Mr. Graham Robertson, being among the painters,
and “George Eliot” among the writers, who have
lived there. It is not surprising to find, therefore,
that in one of the latest homes erected there, a
music-room should be the dominating feature.
The house is called “Great Roke,” and it was
designed by the well-known Birmingham architects,

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