The unheated outdoor swimming pool set amongst the pines, was not always an attractive prospect as it was usually covered with slime and pine needles and was the haunt of frogs. The Governors were far-sighted and responded to Miss Farr’s request to fund an indoor swimming pool and three glass-walled squash courts. A beautiful design by the Winchester College architect, who echoed the Downe House round arch theme, reminiscent of Miss Nickel’s elegant galleried Dining Room. Miss Farr said, “Although my primary aim was to raise academic standards and motivation, it was the swimming pool which proved to be an important milestone along the way. Not only did it give us a healthier, more vigorous school, but a more confident one. The girls were proud of owning a facility better than any other girls’ school.”
Pic of inside of swimming pool