The spectacular Pillar Hall occupies the centre of the house.
It is meant to evoke the open-roofed atrium, or central courtyard, of a classical villa – a Roman architectural precedent rather than a Greek one. The Northumberland climate meant that it had to be roofed, with natural lighting being provided by roof lights and a clerestory, or upper level of windows. The Pillar Hall functioned both as a reception and a circulation space, giving access to the different parts of the house.. On the ground floor are closely spaced lonic columns with Doric columns on the floor above – a reversal of the usual arrangement in classical buildings.*
The stairs and the gallery have brass balustrades which were designed by Sir Charles’ sister Isabella. The artificial lighting on the upper level was provided by brass lamp stands, which screwed into the top of the balustrade between the Doric columns.
*From the English Heritage guidebook.
Wonderful colour scheme or does it look better in the photo?
The most interesting feature is the architecture, I hadn’t noticed the colour.
Now you have mentioned it, I think the photo would look great in monotone.
Oh my goodness–I have never seen so many columns in a place. Very pretty, and I love the wrought iron inbetween them. Have a lovely weekend. Mickie
There are rather a lot
Thanks, I hope you have a good weekend too 
Such elegance and grace!! What a ‘handsome’ building!!!
I think would have great fun with your camera in there
excellent photos Cherie and (for James) colour rendition is very good, it really does look like that.
Thanks JD
Hard to think of this place as a family home. This hall looks like a courhouse. Beautiful architecture. But it’s very solemn.
After seeing all the rooms I can see the appeal on lots of levels. As I kid it would be a great place to explore
Wow Cherie another beautiful house. You do visit somany great places
There are so many fascinating places to visit and discover. I can never get enough of them
It’s a shame that it’s a much underrated place amongst those that live in the county. I’ll have to take another visit to refresh my memory… It’s been too long for me and I’m meant to be passionate about this kind of thing.
I really enjoyed my visit there, it a place I would go back too
I think we all tend to neglect the places that are on our doorstep.