The stately look: Five pieces of furniture from Berwick House contents auction

The building of the Grade II listed property was initiated by owner Thomas Powys who started the reconstruction of the estate’s hall in 1731. In 1875, it was purchased at auction by the merchant, shipbroker, cheesemaker and MP James Watson, who renovated, extended and remodelled the mansion.

Watson also formed a collection of works of art and furnishings which were kept at Berwick House and added to by successive generations of his family who inherited the estate.

Now a selection of contents has been consigned to auction and will be offered at Dreweatts on May 12. The items range from furniture, ceramics, clocks, sculpture and works of art and comprise the first 144 lots of the sale.

Here we pick out five pieces of furniture at the auction that epitomise that much-admired the country house look.

1. Oak writing table

An oak and inlaid writing table – estimated at £300-500 at Dreweatts.

Looking for a ‘statement’ piece? Among the furniture offered at Dreweatts’ sale of selected contents from Berwick House is this oak and inlaid writing table, dating from c.1880.

A piece in the manner of Charles Bevan, the London maker who was an influential designer working in the ‘modern Gothic’ style, it has two frieze drawers and measures 4ft (1.22m) wide.

It is estimated at £300-500. View the catalogue entry for this oak writing table on thesaleroom.com.

2. Satinwood side table

Fancy a piece of 18^th century furniture in your home? This satinwood side table was made in the manner of one of the leading English furniture designers, Thomas Sheraton, and features tulipwood banding and polychrome painting. The side also contains a central vignette with cavorting amorini.

It is estimated at £600-800. View the catalogue entry for this satinwood side table on thesaleroom.com.

3. Mahogany corner armchair

An upholstered mahogany corner armchair – estimated at £250-350 at Dreweatts.

This George III mahogany and upholstered corner armchair from c.1760 is a great choice for that ‘country house look’.

With scrolled arms above the pierced splats and square section legs, the seat is fully upholstered seat and it stands 2ft 4in (77cm) high.

It is estimated at £250-350. View the catalogue entry for this mahogany upholstered corner armchair on thesaleroom.com.

4. George III secretaire bookcase

Got a lot of books that need storing? This George III mahogany secretaire bookcase from c.1790 has adjustable shelves behind its glazed arcaded doors.

The secretaire drawer encloses a fitted interior with an arrangement of drawers, pigeonholes, central cupboard and a baize writing surface. The bookcase also has three further long drawers below.

It is estimated at £700-1000. View the catalogue entry for this George III bookcase on thesaleroom.com.

5. George III desk and chair

George III desk and chair – estimated at £400-600 at Dreweatts.

Two items in one lot here. This George III mahogany desk from c.1780 with a series of drawers around a kneehole cupboard, comes with a George III mahogany armchair dating from late 18th century in the same lot.

It is estimated at £400-600. View the catalogue entry for this George III desk and accompanying chair on thesaleroom.com.