352 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER AND COUNTRY GENTLEMAN, Mabck 8, 185!* 
RURAL DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE. 
Design eor a Country House. 
The design contained in this week’s number (in continuation 
of our series of illustrations of rural architecture) is in the 
Italian style, and considerably larger than the one first illustrated ; 
and, from the size and number of its rooms, would be appro¬ 
priate for a gentleman of independent means, and should stand 
in grounds of suitable extent. 
With regard to the style of architecture most adapted to the 
country, there is, at present, a great difference of opinion. Some 
maintaining that the Gothic style alone ought to be employed, 
as that, which, from its freedom of outline, and absence of for¬ 
mality, harmonises best with the surrounding objects of nature. 
On the other baud, the admirers of Italian architecture contend 
that their style is more symmetrical, and is also better adapted 
for internal convenience. This, however, is stoutly denied by 
the other party, and justly so; for it has been again and again 
demonstrated, that there is just as much convenience in a well- 
planned Gothic house, as in an Italian one of the same size. 
The question, then, resolves itself into a matter of taste; and so 
long as men’s minds are differently constituted, it seems likely 
there will never be perfect unanimity on this subject. 
On referring to the plan, it will be seen that the house is 
entered through the porch (a), which is a continuation of the 
conservatory (b). By this means the house will be effectually 
protected from draughts, and persons alighting from carriages 
can be immediately under cover. Through the porch you enter 
the hall (c), 12 feet by 16 feet, separated from the inner hall 
(e) by a screen of columns and pilasters. This inner hall is 17 
feet by 12 feet, and is lighted by a large arch-headed ’Venetian 
window, and contains the staircase, which is 4 feet wide. To the 
right of the hall (c) is the parlour (b), 16 feet by 17 feet, with a 
large tliree-light window looking over the garden, and one of 
similar size opening into the conservatory. This being the 
general sitting-room, the object has been to made it the pleasantest 
room in the house. At the left of the hall is the library or study, 
(e), 16 feet by 13 feet. Opening out of the inner hall is the 
drawing-room (o), 17 feet by 23 feet, with a large bay window, 
