Classic country house interiors go under the hammer

The contents of a charming and historic old rectory are to be sold at Bonhams in Knightsbridge on 26 February 2008. Clothall House, a grade II listed building in Hertfordshire, was built in the 1720s as a Rectory to Clothall Church.

Situated on the slopes of the chalk hills south east of Baldock, the grounds on which the house were built are steeped in history - in the late 17th century the villagers of Clothall, armed with swords and arrows, rioted as a result of the political unrest following the Civil War.

A selection of fine furniture and works of art from the house will go under the hammer in the Bonhams Knightsbridge Furniture Sale. All lots estimated under £300 will be sold without reserve.

The Rectors of Clothall have included such interesting characters as the historian John Savage who was Rector of Clothall from 1708 to 1747. More recently the house was given a new lease of life when it was bought by the late Mr Peter Dixon in the 1950s. A lieutenant commander in World War II, Peter Dixon served on HMS Mohawk before it was sunk by an Italian destroyer and later on HMS Valiant. He was the owner of Peter Dixon and Son, a century old family business and one of the largest importers of paper.

Mr Peter Dixon was an avid collector of fine antique furniture, paintings and works of art and he furnished Clothall House largely in the 18th and 19th century style. The contents of this charming property reflect Peter Dixon’s eclectic taste with items ranging from naval paintings to French gilt settees. Roughly 100 lots will be offered by Bonhams, all of which combine desirability and elegance with practicality in keeping with the demands of 21st century family life.

Highlights include:

• A George II walnut chest on chest, £6,000 – 8,000
• An early 20th century white painted cast and wrought iron gazebo £800 – 1,200
• A George III mahogany secretaire bookcase, £2,000 – 3,000
• A pair of Victorian gilt gesso girandoles £2,500 – 3,000
• Still life painting by a follower of Dirk Valkenburg (Amsterdam 1675-1721) £3,000 – 5,000