Architect - The Conservation Practice

Contractor - Bovis Lelliott

Brief description of work carried out –

In 198? This fine National Trust property was devastated by fire, just as a programme to restore the house was being completed. It was decided to rebuild the house to appear as though the fire had never happened. This challenging task involved rebuilding the house as it originally was using the same materials and techniques. George Cook and Sons were employed to replaster the walls and ceilings using riven chestnut lathing and haired lime plaster including running cornices in situ. One interesting feature was the curved panelled sides and head of the niches in the dining room which had to be run in situ and were a real test of the craftsman’s expertise. The family’s quarters on the first floor and the attic rooms were plastered in a modern lightweight gypsum plaster, with cornices made in fibrous plaster to replicate the original profiles.