Beautiful forgotten places part 1.

The Grange at Northington near Alresford, Hampshire.

I visited this imposing building on a very grey, dreary day a couple of weeks ago. No snow, just clouds, and wind, and greyness. Taken into custodianship of English Heritage in the '70s, this imposing building is striking in its austerity and has a rather sad story to match its unloved state. 

According to English Heritage, The Grange was once a modest 17th century brick house, which was lavishly transformed in the Neoclassical style by architect William Wilkin - the designer of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square amongst many other high-profile buildings. 

But the owner, banker and MP Henry Drummond, disliked the result and sold the house on.

With its stark yet hugely impressive cement facade and sequoia-like columns, so far removed from the original brickwork (still visible at the back of the building) it's easy to sympathise with Mr Drummond and dislike the building.

But this isn't just a rather large and brutish house. The property sits proudly atop sweeping land and above a serene lake - its sole use now as an opera venue perfectly befitting the drama of the place. The grandeur of The Grange lives on, even with its bruised walls and lifeless interior. 

Much to my disappointment, it's not possible to go inside without prior arrangement. How exciting would it be to walk through the dark, dank hallways inside, wallpaper peeling from the walls, dust covering every surface - the once grand space left entirely open to the imagination. 

Because, that's the point isn't it? A once beautiful building can still be utterly beautiful, if you can imagine it as such. And now, softened by rain and wind, and with the odd patch of lime-green render, this aged building is perhaps more beautiful now than ever. 

For more information about The Grange at Northington, please visit the English Heritage website.