HARLEY-FORD HOUSE.

THIS handsome mansion is the seat of Sir William Clayton, Bart. and is situated on the banks of the Thames, near the borough town of Marlow, in the county of Buckingham. It was erected in the year 1755, after a design, and in the peculiar style of architecture which distinguishes the works of Sir Robert Taylor. It occupies part, and but a small part, of the ancient manor-house, which was an edifice of very old date, and resembled in form and appearance, as it equalled in antiquity, the venerable mansion of Hurly-house, the seat of Mr. Wilcox, on the Berkshire side of the river; so that the surrounding scenery must have lost somewhat of its picturesque effect, from the change of such an object for the modern structure. It is built of a red brick, and though not on a large plan, contains something more than a mere commodious suite of apartments.

It was ever a leading and favourite circumstance in the edificial designs of Sir Robert Taylor, and, indeed, it first brought him into notice, that, however deficient his elevation might be in classical beauty and correctness, or in the lesser domestic arrangements of the houses which he built, he never failed to give a succession of as spacious rooms on the principal floor, as the quantity of square feet allotted him, or the expence to which he was limited, would admit. He never spared his semi-circular sweeps to encrease the dimensions of the apartments; so that the exterior outline of many of his houses have a singular though not irregular appearance. The uncommon height also which he gave to what may be called the living rooms, when raised upon a basement story, threw his building rather in a disproportionate manner into the air. He was fond of balls, but on what principles of taste or beauty, we do not understand, as decorations. Harley fordhouse is not without them, and possesses the peculiarities which have been just enumerated.

The house might certainly have been shaped with a much better adaption, than it possesses, to the surrounding scenery, which is not without a considerable portion of beauty.Zucarelli made a painting of it, of which there is an engraving by Major; and the truth of our observation, would, we think, be confirmed by an examination of that very pleasing picture.

The mansion is placed on an easy slope, rising from the margin of the river, which comprehends a fine view in each direction, to the town of Marlow, with its spire and bridge, one way; and to Bisham-Abbey, the seat of Mr. Vansittart, the other. The grounds on the opposite side of the water form a pleasing acclivity, varied with wood and agricultural cultivation.

The house is sheltered from the north by a fine grove of beech and other trees. The lawn is ornamented with the oak and chesnut. The walks are extensive, and open to very charming views. Several small buildings are dispersed through the grounds, the principal of which is a temple, dedicated to Friendship, and was a tribute of regard to the Clayton family, by the late Doctor Thomas, Bishop of Rochester, who erected it.