Thursday 1 July 2010

Tyntesfield

Yesterday we went to Tyntesfield, owned by the National Trust. Tyntesfield is a Victorian house which went onto the market in 2002. The NT had just 50 days to raise £20 million in order to buy it; with a huge public appeal and generous donations they managed it. Then they had to match the £20 million from their own coffers. They have since received a National Lottery grant to help with the renovation costs. Although there is a huge amount of work needed they decided to keep it open whilst the work is going on, which must have made for fascinating visits to see the changes. We hope to go regularly now that we live so close to see how the refurbishments are going.

It's impossible to tell from the outside what the house actually looks like as the whole thing is covered in scaffolding to enable the complete roof to be renovated; they're putting new tiles on, replacing the lead and cleaning the outside walls as well.

I can't show you any pictures of the inside as you're not allowed to take photographs, but it's well worth a visit if you ever happen to be in the area.

We were also able to climb steps inside the scaffolding up to a viewing area at roof level. It was fascinating to get such an unusual view of a house and to see the work in progress.





We're planning a return visit later in the year, before the house closes for the winter, to see what progress has been made.


8 comments:

Amelia said...

That would be an interesting process to watch...and see how the old wonderful house goes back to the original fascinating look.

Amy said...

oh wow----that is quite the ordeal going on there!
As in the past, thanks for sharing some of the history of your area! So, when is your next vacation planned to share some more UK photos? ;0)

Linda Lee said...

That is quite a project. England is a place I have always wanted to visit. Just to see the history! I voted for your awesome quilt!

Kay said...

Since I can't be there, it sure is fun to see it through your eyes and camera. That really looks like an awesome project.

Jude said...

Great pics of the renovations and dont forget to give us the final view when it is all finished.

Linda said...

That was a lot of work going on there. It's so wonderful that they are restoring the old buildings. Here they seem to tear down and build new ones! I love the history you have there in England. Thanks for sharing!

Bec said...

Wow, what a project! Looks like a lovely old building, keep us posted please!

Gretchen said...

What a great experience this is going to be! From the roof, it must be a very elaborate, grand house. I am going to enjoy your visits and seeing more of the restoration through your posts.