Restoring Our Heritage

Nine years on, the fire-damaged structure still stands in ruins, despite a reported £66 million payout by insurers. Instead, the National Trust is working on a new approach which shies away from a full restoration.

Although work will go ahead to safeguard and rebuild the external walls and windows using heritage craftspeople (estimated to cost £20 million) this is likely to be the extent of the reinstatement. Instead, proposals have been drawn up for ‘a new chapter’ in the house’s history, giving the building ‘a distinct purpose for the future’, as a place to explore and admire the craft skills of those who built Britain’s great houses.

The new approach will preserve the fire-damaged structure and will use a series of suspended walkways and platforms, events, displays and activities to showcase the ‘power and poetic beauty’ of the ruin and the impressive views of the surrounding countryside.

Although there was a counter-resolution proposed by Restore Trust at the November 2023 AGM to reinstate the full interior and exterior of the building, this was rejected by members, on the recommendation of the National Trust leadership.

So, what does this mean for owners of listed properties? It may be argued that it creates a precedent of sorts but if a house is in private hands, it is unlikely that an alternative style of rebuild will be acceptable to insurers or local planning authorities. It is a grey area, likely to require case-by-case consideration and it is important to discuss listed building cover options with your broker.