Design No. 23 — A Garden Summer-House
This small circular erection was designed from the express directions, as to style, size, form, and plan, of the gentleman for whom it was made, and who had it constructed. It was of wood, standing on a brick foundation, with a quaint room in the centre, completely lined with match-boarding, stained oak and varnished, the ceiling having hanging pendants. The lead lights of the sashes were glazed with various specimens of old coloured glass.
The view and plan are illustrated at page 262; the plan shows the general arrangements; the porch had seats on each side, and the back portion of the summer-house was enclosed for a single seat. The elevation given on page 263 shows, as well as the view, flower-pots on supports in the roof. These were omitted in execution. The section shows the building as constructed; it is taken through the porch. The interior room and the enclosed seat behind the illustration gives the detail of a portion of the construction.
The building had no fireplace, being merely intended for summer use; it was placed on an elevated site, and commanded a fine view.
No small structure can be made too expensive in construction if it is to be placed in a beautiful flower-garden. However pretty its ornaments may be, they are sure to pale by the side of the natural objects surrounding it. The small gateway shown in view on page 265 was constructed entirely in oak with a slab-slated roof. It stood at some distance from the dwelling, to which it formed a conspicuous object, and it was the entrance to an enclosed flower-garden. An elevation, section, and plan of it are given on page 266.
The vignette represents an open ironwork console or holder for a meat-jack for the kitchen fireplace: it is of French design.