Restoration work marks a new chapter for heritage building at country house estate
Restoration work has started on site at the Camellia House in the grounds of Bretton Hall in Wakefield, opening a new chapter for the listed building.
Originally built for the cultivation and display of exotic plants, the 19th century Camellia House is one of the largest listed garden structures within the historic Bretton Estate, now home to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
The House is being restored alongside the wider transformation of the Bretton Hall Estate into a hotel by Yorkshire based property investor Rushbond PLC and Artfarm as operator-partner.
Built in 1812, the Camellia House was designed by architect Jeffry Wyatt, known for his work on Chatsworth House and Windsor Castle.
It was re-rooved in 1871 before being replaced with an entirely glazed roof.
Restoration designs are being led by Seven Architecture, a practice that specialises in heritage buildings and conservation architecture, with the construction work being undertaken by HH Smith and Sons, who are currently working in Leeds on the restoration of the First White Cloth Hall.
Mark Finch, Director of Rushbond, said: “The renovation of the Camellia House is a key chapter in the unfolding story of Bretton Hall.
“The work plays a vital part of our wider plans to transform Bretton Hall and its Estate as a cultural destination that complements the amazing Yorkshire Sculpture Park and helps promote the Wakefield as a creative and cultural hub.”
Lisa McFarlane, conservation architect at Seven Architecture, added: “The Camellia House plays a hugely important role in telling the wonderful story of Bretton Hall and its former life as a country house.
“It’s a building that is close to the hearts of many visitors who come to admire the beautiful collection of camellias, as well as the magnificent sculptures that have been displayed alongside them over the years.
“The restoration of the Camellia House marks an important milestone in the ongoing transformation of the estate to ensure its long-term protection for the enjoyment of visitors from all over the world.”
A former country house and college campus, Bretton Hall is undergoing a transformational redevelopment programme into a hotel and creative campus.
Councillor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I am very pleased to see work beginning on the restoration of Camellia House.
“The whole development is a key element in the ongoing growth of the district as a tourism and business destination.
“It is a multi-million pound investment in Wakefield and will be a huge asset to the area, offering high-quality accommodation and leisure facilities to visitors as well as being a significant boost to the local and regional economy, business enterprise and our job market.”
