Once near-derelict, the North Wing of Combermere Abbey has been rejuvenated in an innovative collaboration between its owners and interior designer Nina Campbell.
Taking on an historic estate is always going to be a challenge, but for Sarah Callander Beckett that is something of an understatement. Not only does Comber mere Abbey in Cheshire date back to 1133, when it was founded as a Cistercian monastery, but the intervening 900 years saw a number of remodellings, most conspicuously during the 1820s when the Tudor black-and-white manor was given a Gothic veneer. The 20th century was not kind to the Abbey and neglect meant parts of the house were demolished or closed up. In 1990, when Sarah inherited the property, she set about reviving its fortunes through various enterprises, including a weddings and corporate hospitality business, which has enabled her to restore all of the listed buildings. The final one was the decrepit North Wing, which became habitable again in 2016 after 24 months of work by Sarah and her husband Peter Beckett, and interior designer Nina Campbell. Here, Sarah and Nina tell us more.
What challenges did you face during the restoration?
This story is from the January 2017 edition of Homes & Gardens.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2017 edition of Homes & Gardens.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE NEW SHANGRI-LA
Across the globe, garden designers are creating paradise-like spaces by embracing the flora and heritage of indigenous landscapes
A QUIET PLACE
The beauty of this restored Mallorcan villa is its stillness, both inside and out - and it makes whoever comes to visit completely relaxed
THE HOUSE OF FUN
Fearlessly flamboyant is the best way to describe every space of this 1960s French Regency-style mansion in the hills of Los Angeles
HEART & SOUL
A sophisticated use of fresh colours and playful patterns has ensured this modern Singapore apartment is full of character
IT'S WARM INSIDE
In designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza's home, everything was chosen to make her feel cocooned, looked after and full of joy
Shopping trips
This month, Joy Moyler details her strong desire to travel and the pieces she loves collecting along the way
A step ahead
A staircase has a dramatic impact on an interior and a great one is both beautiful and practical
Make an entrance
Tiffany Duggan of Studio Duggan opens the door planning and styling a small hallway
STATE OF THE ART Collector's piece
Six interior designers tell us the artists we should be investing in right now
Mexican revolution
Creatives are restoring abandoned homes from the Yucatán's golden era and there's lots to learn from these historic houses
