Shadwell Park

The original 18th century building was first extended by Edward Blore in 1839-42 and then spectacularly enlarged by SS Teulon in 1856-60. The result is a heavyweight Gothic masterpiece in which symmetry is a taboo, a country house which fully deserves its place among England's top three percent of listed buildings.

It's a shame the owner doesn't seem to recognise this. The empty house has been neglected for years while the grounds have been used for a race-horse stud. During this time its condition has deteriorated seriously. The house now has dry rot, is no longer weather-tight and faces serious structural risk. Victorian Society representatives tried to arrange a visit earlier this year but were not allowed access.

We are grateful to the Country Life picture library for allowing us to use one of its archive photographs.