A VILLA-MANSION. 



by the columns that divide its length, and by those separating the recess that contains 

 the principal stair-case, is a feature that is carried out in a manner not often seen, and 

 at the same time the rooms are so disposed about it as to make its ample dimensions 

 to involve no loss of space, but rather to aflbrd an increased scale of internal accommo- 

 dation. Few houses afford so liberal and yet so controllable a scale of accommodation ; 

 and the chamber floor is equally generous in its arrangements. 



The staircase opens into a large central hall, the side of which, toward the stairs, is 

 composed of pedestals supporting three shafts with arches between, the handrail and 

 balusters being returned around the wall of the staircase behind this arcade, the pur- 

 pose of which is to sup- 

 port the floor above. 

 This portion of the hall 

 is eighteen by twenty- 

 two, and at one end an 

 open arch leads into a 

 narrow vestibule term- 

 inated by a window 

 overlooking the rear 

 balcony, and, at the 

 other, sliding doors 

 shut off a chamber 

 over the front portion 

 of the hall, which can 

 be used or not, as may 

 be required. These are 

 designated upon the 

 plan by the figures 1, 

 2, and 3, the latter 

 being the chamber re- 

 ferred to, which is twelve feet wide and fifteen long, opens upon a balcony over the 

 front ten-ace, and has a large closet fitted with drawers and shelves upon one side. 



Near to this is a large bed-room, No. 4, over the library, having a closet similarly 

 fitted to that of No. 3 ; and in the rear of this is a bed-room, No. 5, and a dressing- 

 room or single chamber connecting with it, No. 6. 



Upon the other side of the hall is an entry, No. V, leading to a sleeping-room and 

 dressing-room, Nos. 8 and 9, occupying the space above the drawing-room ; and in the 

 rear of these is No. 10, a chamber thirteen by seventeen, over the ante-chamber below, 

 and shaped so as to make a large recess to contain the bed. 



No. 1 1 is a cheerful room, the same size as the family sitting-room, and provided 

 with a large closet and convenience for drawers. 



In the hall or entry. No. 2, are spacious cedar and other closets for linen and for 

 clothes not in use; and from this hall a noble room. No. 12, the same dimensions as 

 the dining-room, is reached. From the main hall a passage leads to the private stairs, 

 also to a bathing-room and two water-closets, one of which is entirely private from the 

 oom. Beyond this is a sleeping-room, No. 13, over the summer-kitchen, to 

 a few steps are descended in a well-lighted entry, 



PLAN OF CHAMBER FLOOR. 



