Hermitage House and associated land

Location/Address

The Hermitage House and its grounds are at the heart of the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area Central Zone – surrounded by River Road, Ellington Road and the Bath Road which is where the long entrance drive to it is accessed by. Address; Hermitage House, Bath Road, Taplow, Bucks, SL6 0AR

Type

Building

Roofed and walled permanent structures.

Description

One of two survivors built around 1890. One of two survivors of group of 5 houses sold at auction in 1904 (the other survivor is Lansdowne Court) and built around 1890 and appears unaltered externally. Red brick to ground floor with some moulded bricks around windows. Red brick quoins and dressings. Unpainted pebbledash and white painted half-timbering to upper storey. Gables. Large chimneys with recessed panels. Originally a house and later used as an hotel. Once the home of local worthy, Col. Marriott, president of the Taplow cricket club and the Middle Thames Archaeological Society and then used as a museum. Now a training centre. This is a local building of note within the Conservation Area of Taplow Riverside. (B1).

Map

Find a placename, postcode or grid reference

Map layers

Base layers

Info

Record list

Tools

Statement of Significance

Asset type

One of two survivors built around 1890.

Age

Built around 1890 with all surrounding Victorian/Edwardian development designed around Hermitage House and its grounds. South Bucks District Council’s own original Taplow Riverside Conservation Area Document (TRCAD) at Document A details Hermitage House and its grounds being a perfect example of historic buildings of note built in this period and the important role it plays being at the centre of all the other Victorian/Edwardian buildings that all reflect the special historic character of the area not just by the style, architecture and building form but also by the TRCAD quoted “historic planned design” where they were all planned to be built around Hermitage House which the TRCAD describes “In summary, the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area is a notable piece of early twentieth century planned architectural design..“ (Document A page 7 para 4 & page 8 para 4)

Rarity

Hermitage House is one of two survivors of a group of 5 grand houses for sale at auction in 1904 (the other survivor is Lansdowne Court). The land formerly belonged to the Earl of Orkney being bought by the Grenfell family and Lord Desborough (William Henry Grenfell) owned these 5 grand houses which are described in the 1904 sales particulars in Doc B attached. As you may see on page 3 and 7, Hermitage House was originally named Wargrave Lodge when built, and since has been known as The Hermitage or Hermitage House. The ‘Memoranda” page (Doc B bottom of page 4) says; “The houses were all specially designed by an Eminent Architect and were built for the vendor some years ago in an unusually substantial manner without regard to cost” Hermitage House appears unaltered externally which the attached photos demonstrates displaying the period characteristics of the house which requires preserving being just one of only two survivors and plays a vitally important part as the fulcrum of the conservation area central zone. This highly treasured building and its setting is stated within the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area Document (TRCAD) attached (Doc A - page 7 para 4) as “Ellington Road and the Hermitage is a fascinating piece of historic planned design. Built at the turn of the twentieth century, the strong late Victorian/Edwardian character and appearance of the buildings is an overwhelmingly residential one.” - all the surrounding Victorian/Edwardian buildings look into Hermitage House and its grounds which is consequently a very important place highly valued by the local community. Being at the heart of the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area central zone it was designed as the focal point of a Victorian settlement with the development of Victorian/Edwardian buildings planned to be built around it and therefore Hermitage House and its grounds is the centrally most important feature of the “Ellingtonia” area that provides a strong sense of the local historic character and place. It has been recorded by Planning Inspectors as being a worthy contribution to the special character of the area, who also went on to say. “It is clear from the Council’s evidence, including the 1899 and 1931 Ordnance Survey maps, that Hermitage House forms an integral part of the wider group of Edwardian properties built at the turn of this century.” (Doc D (Planning Inspectorate Appeal Decision - page 3 item 9) The importance of Hermitage House’s setting and open space it provides for the local area is demonstrated by its designation as an “Important Open Space” as shown on the map in the attached TRCAD - Doc A page 4-5, and described on pages 7- 8, and which is covered in the ‘Group Value’ section. The rarity of Hermitage House and its grounds within the Taplow Riverside area is enhanced by the loss of many of the areas heritage assets - all the other Lord Desborough properties shown on the attached map from local history book Taplow Moments (Doc E) have all been demolished apart from Lansdowne House – so of the seven properties Hermitage House is just one of two surviving Lord Desborough properties, and in addition another large prestigious Victorian property, Silchester House, just along in the same stretch of the Bath Road has been given permission to be demolished and the grounds to be developed, and as well as the Taplow Mill (shown as ‘Papermill’ on the map) and Skindles’ demolition the open land between them that forms a triangle from the ‘Papermill’ all the way down to the Bath Road (from Skindles to opposite Silchester House) has now been developed with some of the very grand period houses (not shown on the map) within this very large plot of land making way for new development – so many of the houses of that era around the Hermitage House area have gone now or going and the open land built on making Hermitage House and its grounds a rare survivor of the heyday of the development around the River triggered by the introduction of the railway. In addition, its rarity is even greater as The Hermitage Cottage within its grounds is the only surviving coach-house and stables building left from all these properties within the area.

Architectural and Artistic Interest

Hermitage House appears unaltered externally which is quite rare in buildings of this age. Red brick to ground floor with some moulded bricks around windows. Red brick quoins and dressings. Unpainted pebbledash and white painted half-timbering to upper storey. Feature gables. Large chimneys with recessed panels…. the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area Document (TRCAD) Doc A at page 8 para 2 also goes on to say when describing it as a “worthy contribution to the area” as being “built using fine cut and rubbed red brick, with applied timbers and some contemporary pebbledashing. The Hermitage displays many fine details such as chimneys, window surrounds and brickwork.” which the picture within the TRCAD (page 8) and attached photographs display. As one of two survivors of a group of 5 grand houses sold at auction in 1904 the sales particulars (Doc B attached) provide a summary of the accommodation, of which includes stables and coach-houses. The entrance to these houses are quite grand with large spacious hall, tiled flooring, spaciousness and exceptionally large staircases forming a majestic feature of the interior of all the houses. They have high ceilings and ornate features with very large rooms, the main bedrooms having dressing rooms, and bedrooms for the servants quarters. Hermitage House (Wargrave Lodge) is on page 7. Of the five houses Hermitage House (Wargrave Lodge) attracted the highest annual rental price at that time of £216.00 per annum as recorded on the 1904 sales particulars Doc B page 7 at bottom. A most important architectural aspect is covered in the TRCAD on page 7 and 8 of Doc A in regards to its stated planned architectural design of the area with Hermitage House and grounds at its heart within it and all surrounding properties being built around it whom look in upon it, and its clearly viewed from the footpath that was diverted when the property was built to go around its perimeter. Hermitage House embodies the special historic character of the conservation area central zone being at the core of all the Victorian and Edwardian properties that were built around it. Both South Bucks District Council (SBDC) and the Planning Inspectorate (docs C & D attached) described it as “It represents an important element in the historic fabric of the conservation area, contributing to its character and appearance. (Doc C - SBDC Decision Notice; page 41 para 3/ Doc D - Planning Inspectorate Appeal Decision; page 3 item 10) SBDC confirmed “It is the quality of the original Edwardian house that contribute to the character of the area” (Doc C page 43 para 7) and “it is the openness of the surrounds to both the Cottage and the main house (Hermitage) that are an essential part of their character………” (Doc C - page 43 last para) Its grounds are typical of the planned period layout of the time providing important open space for all surrounding development who themselves do not have large gardens, with the TRCAD stating “In summary, the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area is a notable piece of early twentieth century planned architectural design….” (Doc A page 8 bottom para) The TRCAD reinforces the importance of the open space to the area – at bottom of page 7 into page 8 of Doc A it says;- “The Ellington Road development was clearly designed with open spaces an integral part of the design. On the whole these open spaces have remained and represent a fine contribution to the character and appearance of the area. Notable is the area around the Hermitage which is visible from footpaths. The garden of the Hermitage is open, with some fine mature trees and views of the backs of the other Edwardian houses along River Road and Ellington Road.”. This is covered in more detail in the ‘Group Value’ section

Group Value

The Hermitage comprising of Hermitage House, The Hermitage Cottage and its grounds was built all together around 1890, thus The Hermitage Cottage and the grounds are an integral part of the Hermitage House estate of which remains undisturbed for circa 130 years. The Hermitage House estate was constructed as part of a group of similar smaller Victorian/Edwardian structures that surround it and which all reflect the same style and form and the character of the time. The Taplow Riverside Conservation Area Document (TRCAD) description relays this on Doc A pages 7-8;- “Ellington Road and the Hermitage is a fascinating piece of historic planned design. Built at the turn of the twentieth century, the strong late Victorian/Edwardian character and appearance of the buildings is an overwhelmingly residential one. Spaces within the area defined are very important and contain fine trees and other greenery. The road sweeps round picturesquely and houses are carefully placed to offer glimpses and views along the roads and footpaths to other buildings or open spaces. Individual houses are designed and built with immense attention to detail and using local materials; some houses may be listable and are certainly of local historic importance. In house design, although themes are repeated, no house is identical. The Ellington Road development was clearly designed with open spaces an integral part of the design. On the whole these open spaces have remained and represent a fine contribution to the character and appearance of the area. Notable is the area around the Hermitage which is visible from footpaths. The garden of the Hermitage is open, with some fine mature trees and views of the backs of the other Edwardian houses along River Road and Ellington Road. The Hermitage itself was built using fine cut and rubbed red brick, with applied timbers and some contemporary pebbledashing. The Hermitage displays many fine details such as chimneys, window surrounds and brickwork. It is a worthy contribution to the Area.” “In summary, the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area is a notable piece of early twentieth century planned architectural design….” The Planning Inspectorate stated “On the matter of prominence, whilst Hermitage House is located behind frontage properties, it can be seen from Bath Road along the driveway and at certain points along Ellington Road. More importantly, both the house and grounds are clearly visible from the public footpath(s) that borders the site. Consequently it is not a building that is hidden from public view but one that is likely to be seen regularly. It represents an important element in the historic fabric of the conservation area, contributing to its character and appearance.” (Doc D - Planning Inspectorate Appeal Decision; page 3 item 10) South Bucks District Council (SBDC) said that “It is the quality of the original Edwardian house and its setting that contribute to the character of the area” and “it is the openness of the surrounds to both the Cottage and the main house (Hermitage) that are an essential part of their character………” (Doc C - SBDC Decision Notice; page 43 para 7 & 8) The grounds of Hermitage House perform a vitally important function within the area, of which the Planning Inspectorate (Doc D) said in relation to the grounds designated as “Important Open Space” within the TRCAD that; “This conservation area forms an extension of what was the Maidenhead Bridge Conservation Area which was enlarged (and renamed) to include the group of Edwardian buildings dating from a similar period in Ellington Road, Ellington Gardens, River Road and Bath Road. The Conservation Area Document (CAD) includes an Appraisal Plan which identifies the Hermitage as one of the Locally Important Buildings within the conservation area boundary, and the grounds are designated as an Important Open Space. The character analysis within the CAD describes Ellington Road and the Hermitage as a fascinating piece of historic planned design and the spaces within the area as very important containing fine trees and other greenery. The main house and the grounds of the Hermitage are specifically mentioned in detail as features of importance that are visible…..”. (Doc D - page 3 item 7) “From the Ordnance Survey maps provided by the Council the grounds of Hermitage House form a planned historic element in the hierarchy of spaces within the conservation area and that the notation of the site as Important Open Space is therefore fully justified. Sub-section a) of Policy C1 of the SBDLP defines spaces between buildings as being important features that should be preserved or enhanced where they contribute to the character or appearance of the conservation area. Paragraph 4.4 of PPG 15 also refers to the character and hierarchy of spaces as almost always being an aspect to consider when designating conservation areas.” (Doc D - page 4 item 11) “the open grounds of Hermitage House and the mature trees within provide an attractive vista for those using the public footpath that fringes the site….it opens out on the site boundary to reveal the expanse of open space. I consider that this is a pleasing element within the conservation area and an asset to its character and appearance.” (Doc D - page 4 item 12) “It is clear from the Council’s evidence, including the 1899 and 1931 Ordnance Survey maps, that Hermitage House forms an integral part of the wider group of Edwardian properties built at the turn of this century.” (Doc D - page 3 item 9) The function of the grounds as an “important open space” is essential to the area as the historic planned design of Hermitage House and its grounds incorporated the open space to enable the properties surrounding the main building in its centre the open space that they themselves lack as rear gardens which was a design feature common at that time within a Victorian settlement – the TRCAD informs (Doc A page 8 bottom para) “In summary, the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area is a notable piece of early twentieth century planned architectural design….” In this regard the above comments of the Planning Inspectorate in regards to the designated ‘Important Open Space’ should be read in conjunction with the TRCAD description with excerpts from Doc A pages 7-8 which says;- “Ellington Road and the Hermitage is a fascinating piece of historic planned design.” “Spaces within the area defined are very important and contain fine trees and other greenery. The road sweeps round picturesquely and houses are carefully placed to offer glimpses and views along the roads and footpaths to other buildings or open spaces.” “The Ellington Road development was clearly designed with open spaces an integral part of the design. On the whole these open spaces have remained and represent a fine contribution to the character and appearance of the area. Notable is the area around the Hermitage which is visible from footpaths. The garden of the Hermitage is open, with some fine mature trees and views of the backs of the other Edwardian houses along River Road and Ellington Road.” The further importance of the open space of The Hermitage’s grounds is that it is the only garden space available for Hermitage House and The Hermitage Cottage whose occupants have historically used it and which its residents care passionately about for their childrens continued recreational and families outdoor leisure use, which more recently in pandemic restricted times proved invaluable. There is no front open space area as both Hermitage House and Hermitage Cottage are built up to the northern border, thus the southerly grounds are the only open green space available to both buildings occupants. Footnote: the properties that form the ‘Group’ are shown in the TRCAD map on Doc A pages 4-5, which includes The Hermitage Cottage that is within the grounds of Hermitage House of which it is an integral part being built at the same time as the main house of which its sits alongside and being undisturbed since being built around 1890 and is referred to specifically here as unable to be linked in the Heritage Asset List system. All the ‘Group’ buildings are listed as “Unlisted Buildings Which Make a Positive Contribution to the Character of the Conservation Area” – and aswell as The Hermitage Cottage, they are the buildings marked on the TRCAD map as “Important Local Buildings” that surround the Hermitage House site in Ellington Road, Ellington Gardens, Bath Road and River Road. These buildings and this central area shown on the TRCAD map is primarily the main reason that the conservation area was initially set up, and it is now named the central zone in the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area since it has been extended.

Historic Interest

The land formerly belonged to the Earl of Orkney as part of the Taplow Manor estate before it passed over to the Grenfell family in 1852 (as ‘British History’ website Doc F illustrates on page 4 last para, last 6 sentences). Local dignitary Lord Desborough (William Henry Grenfell - the Lord of the manor at that time) owned the five large and prestigious houses covered within the 1904 sales particulars (Doc B attached), including Hermitage House (as Wargrave Lodge then) and of which it is only one of two survivors. The 1904 sales particulars (Doc B) cover these houses and their details – and includes that “The houses were all specially designed by an Eminent Architect and were built for the vendor some years ago in an unusually substantial manner without regard to cost” (Doc B – page 4 at bottom). The extent of Lord Desborough’s investments and developments around The Hermitage can be seen in a map (Doc E) taken from local history book “Taplow Moments” by Nigel Smales. Lord Desborough is here referred by his family name of Grenfell. Lord Desborough was also well known nationally as he was perhaps the greatest all-round sportsman of his time excelling at many sports representing Britain and winning a silver medal at the 1906 Olympics, as well as being a public servant and a politician from 1880 to 1905 when he was raised to the peerage. He was president of the 1908 Olympic Games in London, for which he was the official British Government representative responsible for taking up the challenge of holding it with only 2 year’s notice! Hermitage House was once the home of local worthy, Col. Marriott, president of the Taplow cricket club and the Middle Thames Archaeological Society and later used as a museum. Col. Marriot is perhaps the only officer in the British Army ever to be commissioned by two monarchs, and possibly the final regal act of Queen Victoria was to sign his commission, as hours later she passed away and King Edward VII was obliged to endorse the document. His tenureship as Taplow cricket club chairman is highly revered as he saved the club when the deaths of Lord and Lady Desborough in 1945 and 1952 threatened its survival. Cricket club meetings were regularly held at Hermitage House. The 1901 census and 1904 sales particulars (Doc B) show that these five large houses were occupied by gentleman of wealth with a long list of servants – Doc B at bottom of page 7 shows in 1900 Hermitage House was let to silk merchant Charles Crocker widow Grace Crocker (living priorly at Wargrave with 6 servants). By 1911 the census shows Architect and Surveyor Frederic Meller Putley lived at The Hermitage with his wife Anne (a hotelier), niece Dorothy plus four female boarders and two servants. The large guest rooms, bedrooms and dressing rooms played an important role in the entertainment of guests for the boating season being in such close proximity to the River Thames or in the hunting season as well as golfing activities. Many lords and ladies came down from London for the weekend to visit Maidenhead / Taplow riverside. The well-renowned Skindles Hotel was a haunt for the rich and famous and was just across the road from Hermitage House, and the high society from London would visit just to be seen at it. The Taplow Riverside Conservation Area Document (TRCAD) refers to this and the houses here on Doc A page 3 “By the late Victorian period, this part of Taplow and Maidenhead had become extremely fashionable and this is undoubtedly the main reason for its immense expansion which continued into the Edwardian age resulting in the construction of many fine houses around the river and along the Bath Road (A4) into Ellington Road. With reference to historical maps and other documentation, it would appear that the Ellington Road development, including the Hermitage, was built at the turn of the century" “Interest originally focused on an inn known as the Orkney Arms which was subsequently bought by William Skindle and became known as Skindles Hotel, attracting famous Victorian and Edwardian society figures. Amongst some of the famous people to be entertained at Skindles Hotel were Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. With the growth in popularity, this area continued to develop with large and prestigious properties on both sides of the Thames. On the South Bucks side, properties along River Road, north of the railway, and Ellington Road are of particular note” Hermitage House is the most significant of these large and prestigious properties in the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area central zone with the rest of the Victorian/Edwardian properties in the immediate area planned to be built around it as may be seen on the map of the TRCAD (Doc A pages 4-5). The Hermitage name may have been derived from its past use of the land dating back to the 14th century where a hermitage acted as a bridge toll house for collecting tolls to cross the River Thames. Of historic importance is also the planned architectural design of the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area central zone which was built around Hermitage House and its grounds described as “a fascinating piece of historic planned design” in the TRCAD Doc A page 7 para 4 and which is covered in more detail in the ‘Group Value’ and ‘Architectural and Artistic Value’ sections.

Landmark Status

Hermitage House and its grounds is an important and greatly valued landmark within Taplow and at the heart of the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area central zone. Both South Bucks District Council (SBDC) and the Planning Inspectorate said of it (Docs C & D attached) “It represents an important element in the historic fabric of the conservation area, contributing to its character and appearance.” (Doc C - SBDC Decision Notice; page 41 para 3 / Doc D – Planning Inspectorate Appeal Decision; page 3 item 10) Prominence The historic layout of the area being developed within the Victorian planning framework revolving around the centrepiece of Hermitage House and its grounds makes it a prominent feature within the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area central zone. By Hermitage House and its grounds being the focal point for all the surrounding Victorian/Edwardian buildings that were designed to be built around it and also from the footpath diverted to go around its perimeter it is a very important place and its prominence is described by the Planning Inspectorate as “The main house and the grounds of the Hermitage are specifically mentioned in detail as features of importance that are visible...” (Doc D - page 3 item 7) “On the matter of prominence, whilst Hermitage House is located behind frontage properties, it can be seen from Bath Road along the driveway and at certain points along Ellington Road. More importantly, both the house and grounds are clearly visible from the public footpath that borders the site. Consequently it is not a building that is hidden from public view but one that is likely to be seen regularly. It represents an important element in the historic fabric of the conservation area, contributing to its character and appearance” (Doc D - page 3 item 10) “From the Ordnance Survey maps provided by the Council the grounds of Hermitage House form a planned historic element in the hierarchy of spaces within the conservation area and that the notation of the site as Important Open Space is therefore fully justified.” (Doc D page 4 item 11) Strong Historical, Architectural & Aesthetic Qualities and Historic Associations Hermitage House’s architecture and style marries in with all the other surrounding properties designed to be built around it knitting the special historic character of the area together. The Planning Inspectorate said of it (Doc D - page 3 item 9) “It is clear from the Council’s evidence, including the 1899 and 1931 Ordnance Survey maps, that Hermitage House forms an integral part of the wider group of Edwardian properties built at the turn of this century” Its strong historical association within the area coupled with its aesthetic appearance is described within the TRCAD (Doc A page 7-8) as follows; “The road sweeps round picturesquely and houses are carefully placed to offer glimpses and views along the roads and footpaths to other buildings or open spaces. Individual houses are designed and built with immense attention to detail and using local materials; some houses may be listable and are certainly of local historic importance. In house design, although themes are repeated, no house is identical. The Ellington Road development was clearly designed with open spaces an integral part of the design. On the whole these open spaces have remained and represent a fine contribution to the character and appearance of the area. Notable is the area around the Hermitage which is visible from footpaths. The garden of the Hermitage is open, with some fine mature trees and views of the backs of the other Edwardian houses along River Road and Ellington Road. The Hermitage itself was built using fine cut and rubbed red brick, with applied timbers and some contemporary pebbledashing. The Hermitage displays many fine details such as chimneys, window surrounds and brickwork. It is a worthy contribution to the Area.” “In summary, the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area is a notable piece of early twentieth century planned architectural design….” Communal Value / Aesthetic Qualities re Open Space By the areas “planned historic design” layout the Hermitage House’s grounds communal value and aesthetic qualities are of immense importance and deeply cherished by the local community with regards to the open space provision that it was designed to fulfill for the area and surrounding properties. The TRCAD states that the spaces within the area are very important and designated the Hermitage House grounds as “Important Open Space”. (Doc A – page 7 from para 4 to page 8 para 2 and map on pages 4-5) The Planning Inspectorate identified the importance of the historic layout to the area by writing; “The Conservation Area Document (CAD) includes an Appraisal Plan which identifies the Hermitage as one of the Locally Important Buildings within the conservation area boundary, and the grounds are designated as an Important Open Space. The character analysis within the CAD describes Ellington Road and the Hermitage as a fascinating piece of historic planned design and the spaces within the area as very important………The main house and the grounds of the Hermitage are specifically mentioned in detail as features of importance that are visible…..”. (Doc D - page 3 item 7) “From the Ordnance Survey maps provided by the Council the grounds of Hermitage House form a planned historic element in the hierarchy of spaces within the conservation area and that the notation of the site as Important Open Space is therefore fully justified” (Doc D - page 4 item 11) “the open grounds of Hermitage House and the mature trees within provide an attractive vista for those using the public footpath that fringes the site….it opens out on the site boundary to reveal the expanse of open space. I consider that this is a pleasing element within the conservation area and an asset to its character and appearance.” (Doc D - page 4 item 12) The Council (SBDC) said “it is the openness of the surrounds to both the Cottage and the main house (Hermitage) that are an essential part of their character………” (Doc C - SBDC Decision Notice; page 43 last para) The local community treasure the Hermitage House grounds as it is doubly important due to the Victorian planned layout providing important open space for all surrounding development built at the same time who themselves have small rear gardens, Hermitage House and its grounds gives to the community open green space that is lacking in their small plots, which the TRCAD describes as “the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area is a notable piece of early twentieth century planned architectural design….” The TRCAD reiterates this importance of the open space within the planned historic environment it sits within as described in Doc A pages 7-8;- “Ellington Road and the Hermitage is a fascinating piece of historic planned design.” “Spaces within the area defined are very important and contain fine trees and other greenery. The road sweeps round picturesquely and houses are carefully placed to offer glimpses and views along the roads and footpaths to other buildings or open spaces.” “The Ellington Road development was clearly designed with open spaces an integral part of the design. On the whole these open spaces have remained and represent a fine contribution to the character and appearance of the area. Notable is the area around the Hermitage which is visible from footpaths. The garden of the Hermitage is open, with some fine mature trees and views of the backs of the other Edwardian houses along River Road and Ellington Road.” As the open space of The Hermitage’s grounds is the only garden space available for Hermitage House and The Hermitage Cottage it also therefore forms a high communal value for the occupants of both buildings – being all the more necessary as there is no open space at the front of both buildings which are built right up against the northern boundary Being at the heart of the Taplow Riverside Conservation Area central zone Hermitage House and its grounds is the centrally most important feature of the area and its importance to it cannot be overstated being greatly valued and cherished by the local community.