THE National Trust is set to undertake a £3.3 million restoration project at Coughton Court, between Studley and Alcester.
The sixteenth century property restoration is part of a four phased wider project over the next two years that will see key sections of the roof restored, as well as repairs and improvements across the fabric of the property.
Internal and external repairs will be made to the roof to rectify years of deterioration and prevent flooding within the building and damage to the historic collection.
Historic materials including roof tiles will be re-used and conserved by specialist workers wherever possible.
Work will also be carried out by specialist contractors including conservation stonemasons and glaziers to the external fabric of the building, restoring the façade to its former glory.
This conservation project is the biggest investment the National Trust has ever made at Coughton Court and is being funded by the charity’s members, supporters and donors, with grant funding donated by The Wolfson Foundation.
Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation said, “We are delighted to be part of the project to restore and renovate Coughton Court as part of our long-standing partnership with the National Trust.
“The works taking place will ensure visitors can explore the stories and significance of this place for years to come.”
The house will still be accessible to visitors during its annual opening season whilst the work takes place.
As part of the conservation project to repair the leaking roof and protect the contents within, during the summer of 2024, visitors are being given the opportunity to view the roof work first-hand from a visitor-dedicated scaffold.
Gurminder Kenth, General Manager, said; “We are excited to be working on the ‘Through the Roof’ project at Coughton Court which will help safeguard Coughton and its highly significant collection.
“Any major project will impact how the site is presented; this however will be a rare opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes’ look at Coughton.
“We are working hard to create new ways to share this with visitors whilst the site is undergoing this work. Conservation is a key value in the work that we do, and these works are important to ensure we secure Coughton’s legacy for generations to come.”
