The central gatehouse is strongly reminiscent of the façade of Somerset House in London. The third floor of the gate-house forms the Prospect room, extensively glazed and offering wonderful views, both of the park and of the Inner Court and the intricate roofscape. We now think that William Cecil's original west range was completely demolished and rebuilt by him during the later part of the 16th century.

As ground level, the gilded wrought iron gates are the most marvellous centrepiece. They were made for the 5th Earl by Jean Tijou, one of the greatest Huguenot ironworkers. In the early evening, as the dying sun causes the windows on this side of the house to glow as if alight, the sparkling gates, which carry the Earl's crest, are a fitting reminder of his huge influence on the decoration and content of this great house.