Six-figure grant to revive derelict properties at stately home
A group of derelict stable buildings at Rotherham’s Wentworth Woodhouse Estate are being restored and brought back to life thanks to a £528,475 grant from Historic England.
Dating from the late 18th century, the Grade II listed Mews Court was built as a later addition to Wentworth Woodhouse’s Grade I Stable Block, a vast complex with stabling for 84 horses.
Attached to the Stable Block, the Mews Court encompasses a courtyard surrounded by buildings originally designed as accommodation for the equestrian staff.
Once repaired, the Mews Court buildings will play an important role in improving Wentworth Woodhouse’s visitor experience, housing a shop, ticket office and toilets.
Giles Proctor, from Historic England, said: “Bringing the Mews Court back to life is a key part of the restoration of Wentworth Woodhouse, enhancing both its historic character and significance, as well as improving its facilities as a visitor attraction.”
Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, added: “We are extremely grateful to Historic England for its continuing support of our restoration projects.
“This latest grant enables us to carry out the urgent external repairs needed to save Mews Court. Its buildings are in a perilous state.
“Repairs will be completed by this autumn, then we will be fundraising in earnest so we can transform some of the spaces into a shop, ticket office and toilets.”
The grant for the Mew Court repairs is the latest contribution from Historic England towards the restoration of Wentworth Woodhouse.
The heritage body has also given grants towards the refurbishment of the recently reopened Camellia House, repairs for the first phase in the regeneration of The Stables, which will create training kitchen facilities and a café space, and repairs to the mansion’s roof cornicing.
