Once derelict heritage property restored to its former glory
The Grade II* listed Camellia House at Wentworth Woodhouse, in Rotherham, is enjoying a new lease of life after being rescued from dereliction.
Set in a secluded spot in the gardens of the stately home, the building served as a retreat for the home’s aristocratic owners from 1738.
It was originally built as a tea house and later became home to some of Britain’s first camellias to arrive from China.
However, when Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust bought the mansion for £7m in 2017, the Camellia House was in a poor condition and was on Historic England’s Heritage At Risk Register.
Thanks to a year-long, £5m restoration funded primarily with £4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and just over £614,000 from Historic England, the Camellia House has been saved and its precious plants protected.
Officially launched on March 22, the Camellia House opens on 2 April as a tea house, where people enjoy tea among camellias still thriving after 200 years.
The menu features 32 teas from across the globe and a food offer includes international tapas. In the evenings, the venue will serve as an events space.
The restoration project has been backed by architects Donald Insall Associates and York-based construction specialists William Birch Ltd. Wherever possible, original materials and features were retained.
Sarah McLeod, the Preservation Trust’s CEO, said: “Saving the Camellia House, removing it from the Heritage At Risk Register and giving it a new life is a huge achievement for us.
“It’s a significant step in our mission to build a financially sustainable long-term solution for Wentworth Woodhouse, so it can be enjoyed and used by local people for many years to come.
“We prioritised the Camellia House because it was in the most urgent need and it was vital that we protected our historic camellia collection.
“It now provides much-needed facilities for the gardens and means visitors can enjoy tea among the camellias, as the Marchioness did in the 1800s.”
Helen Featherstone, director, England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is incredibly exciting to see the wonderful Camellia House now open to the public.
“We’re very proud that, thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support this restoration project that has not only breathed new life into a beautiful venue steeped in the history of tea, one of the globe’s most popular drinks, but also safeguarded it for future generations.
“This element of the important work being undertaken by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust is a great example of the role heritage can play in creating a sense of pride in place, and the positive impact it can have on boosting the economy.”
Claudia Kenyatta, director of regions at Historic England, added: “It’s wonderful to see this important part of the Wentworth Woodhouse site brought back to life through strong partnership working.
“I’m proud Historic England has played a role in transforming what was a derelict, roofless building into this stunning new public tearoom, complete with historic blooms.”
