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Page 36
Is merely a question of taste, on which we shall not presume to decide:
various are the opinions,
--"And many a stranger stops,
With curious eye, to censure or admire."
As the public are now excluded from the garden and pleasure-grounds, it
is rather difficult to get a good view of the castle; the best places
however are ... a lofty knoll or promontory on the opposite side of the
road,--and a rocky mound near THE CAVE, which is in the face of the
sea-cliffs, marked by a flag-staff; and there is, close by, a path to
the beach. Half an hour's saunter would be quite sufficient to enable a
visitor to judge of the beauty of the scene--which at one time procured
it the title of _Queen of the Undercliff_. If but five minutes can be
spared, the tourist ought to quit his vehicle, and reach the brow of the
promontory above alluded to, were it only for the sake of the delightful
prospect which it affords.
The coast of Steephill forms a pleasant little cove or bay, with
remarkably bold and picturesque headlands: and the place altogether
equals any part of the Undercliff in its natural embellishment of rich
groves and sparkling streams, mossy rocks, and broken ground.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CASTLE.--In the design of this stately edifice,
it appears to have been the aim of the architect to combine, as
much as possible, all the internal advantages of a plain mansion,
with the commanding form and embellished detail which usually
characterize a castellated structure. It is not therefore open to
an objection which lies against many of the most picturesque
specimens of this dignified style of building--that internal
convenience was sacrificed to the production of bold and pleasing
contrasts in the face of the exterior: or that it was the growth of
successive improvements. Indeed, both inside and out, all appears
to be handsomely proportioned and well-arranged; while in any point
of view the whole presents an aspect of elegant simplicity.--The
general form of the castle is an oblong; and the most prominent
features ... one majestic square tower which springs from about the
centre of the north side; another tower of an octagon form at the
south-eastern angle; and a beautiful hall-entrance on the east. The
predominant tint is a dark grey: but the battlements, quoins, and
mouldings, are of a light warm color, resembling the Bath stone.
This opposition of tints has a most pleasing, chaste effect, when
closely examined: but at a distance the whole melts into a sober
hue, like the grey impression of time, and hence harmonizes the
more sweetly with the surrounding scenery. Both kinds of stone were
procured on the spot.--The architect was the late Mr. James
Sanderson, of Ryde.
* * * * *
_Remarks on the Exclusion of Strangers from most of the Gentlemen's
Seats_.--However provoking it may prove to many visitors when
making the tour of the island, to be shut out from a view of some
of the most charming seats, still it may be justified in a
considerable degree; and we feel it our duty to repeat what we have
stated elsewhere, that we know several gentlemen who would freely
open their gates to respectable visitors, provided they could be
assured of every party being contented with a general view of the
local beauties, without indulging a too prying curiosity; and at
the same time would _refrain from plucking choice flowers, fruits,
and shrubs_, many of which may perhaps have been cultivated by the
hands of the owner with an affection of no little solicitude and
pride; and of course it is not always convenient to keep a person
merely to act as an attendant. But a more decisive reason with many
gentlemen who love retirement is, that from the island becoming
every year more and more attractive with pleasure-parties, an
_unlimited admission_ of strangers would at once annihilate all the
charms of rural seclusion; it would in fact be converting the
flowery walks of a quiet country-villa into as giddy a promenade as
almost any popular tea-garden in the suburbs of the metropolis.
Still however, speaking generally, it requires only some slight
grounds of introduction: and in the absence of the family there is
of course less difficulty,--it being then a privilege often given
to the servants.
* * * * *
ST. LAWRENCE.
>>_The_ CHURCH, _here, is from its diminutiveness, quite an object of
curiosity; and the stranger will also notice_ THE WELL, _on the
road-side; but the_ VILLA _and_ COTTAGE _are both secluded from public
view_.
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