THE re-emergence of the ever more spectral Kinmel Hall in north Wales on the property market (Athena, March 17), sold two months ago for a mere £950,000, is a reminder that there are still many spectacular country houses that resist resuscitation efforts—often, big dreams (and not enough money) fizzle out. Kinmel is in the unhappy company, with some 88 country houses on Historic England’s current Heritage at Risk Register. The all too familiar circumstances are, usually, a swift succession of owners, lack of assets, structural deficiency, high repair costs, and land sales.
The effort required to contend with a stately pile mustn’t be underestimated—and it doesn’t only mean having deep pockets. ‘Taking on a country house in need of complete renovation is not a decision for the faint-hearted and not one to be taken lightly by those who haven’t attempted such a project before,’ warns James Mackenzie of Strutt & Parker. There are multiple aspects to consider, not least what can and can’t be done with the historic fabric, but financial nous and realistic, long-term expectations. Why certain houses persistently feature on the at-risk lists or are sold at bargain prices after a period of neglect, are down to a failure to recognize the unique formula needed for each place and an approach to sustainability that ensures a lasting achievement.
Denne historien er fra August 11, 2021-utgaven av Country Life UK.
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Denne historien er fra August 11, 2021-utgaven av Country Life UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Kitchen garden cook - Apples
'Sweet and crisp, apples are the epitome of autumn flavour'
The original Mr Rochester
Three classic houses in North Yorkshire have come to the market; the owner of one inspired Charlotte Brontë to write Jane Eyre
Get it write
Desks, once akin to instruments of torture for scribes, have become cherished repositories of memories and secrets. Matthew Dennison charts their evolution
'Sloes hath ben my food'
A possible paint for the Picts and a definite culprit in tea fraud, the cheek-suckingly sour sloe's spiritual home is indisputably in gin, says John Wright
Souvenirs of greatness
FOR many years, some large boxes have been stored and forgotten in the dark recesses of the garage. Unpacked last week, the contents turned out to be pots: some, perhaps, nearing a century old—dense terracotta, of interesting provenance.
Plants for plants' sake
The garden at Hergest Croft, Herefordshire The home of Edward Banks The Banks family is synonymous with an extraordinary collection of trees and shrubs, many of which are presents from distinguished friends, garnered over two centuries. Be prepared to be amazed, says Charles Quest-Ritson
Capturing the castle
Seventy years after Christian Dior’s last fashion show in Scotland, the brand returned under creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri for a celebratory event honouring local craftsmanship, the beauty of the land and the Auld Alliance, explains Kim Parker
Nature's own cathedral
Our tallest native tree 'most lovely of all', the stately beech creates a shaded environment that few plants can survive. John Lewis-Stempel ventures into the enchanted woods
All that money could buy
A new book explores the lost riches of London's grand houses. Its author, Steven Brindle, looks at the residences of plutocrats built by the nouveaux riches of the late-Victorian and Edwardian ages
In with the old
Diamonds are meant to sparkle in candlelight, but many now gather dust in jewellery boxes. To wear them today, we may need to reimagine them, as Hetty Lintell discovers with her grandmother's jewellery
