The Gothic style of architecture being the most calculated for additions or repairs to an old house, I might here venture to recommend it on the score of mere utility; but when we take into the account that picturesque effect which is always produced by the mixture of Gothic buildings with round-headed trees, I confess myself to be rather sanguine in my hopes of producing such beauty at Wembly, as will render that house, which has hitherto been a reproach to the place, the leading feature of the scenery. Instead of clogging all the improvements with the dread of shewing the house, I conceive it possible, without any very great expense, to convert the house itself into the most pleasing object throughout every part of the grounds from whence it may be visible*.
*[I confess there is much danger in adopting the Gothic, where it is not executed under the direction of architects who have had great experience in that style of building; nor does it always happen that the gentlemen who have studied their profession in Italy are competent to the task. The most correct specimens of true Gothic recently built, in places where I have the honour to be concerned, are Sheffield Place and Nacton, both old houses, altered by James Wyat, Esq.; and Donington, a new house, building from the designs of W. Wilkins, Esq. I have never yet seen Mr. Barrat's house in Kent. Many other observations respecting Gothic houses have occurred in my red books for Cobham, Lamer, Little Warley, Nacton, Gayhurst, Tyrringham, Wansley Park, Port Eliot, and Cotchfrench.]
