Restorating Bramshill House

Restoration of a Grade I Jacobean Palace

A hugely significant project with the National Trust was Bramshill House, constructed around 1604 and set within a Grade 1-listed registered park and garden with formal walled gardens, terraces, and avenues of mediaeval origin.

The house is subject to some of the most robust National Trust restrictive covenants and was recently purchased by a new owner with the intention of returning it to single residential use for the first time in 90 years.

As the property had been in institutional use, the project sought to remove any inappropriate work undertaken during that period within the house, allowing for the very careful restoration and adaptation to modern residential living.

Some areas were reconfigured, and any new work must be undertaken with extraordinary care to meet the terms of both the covenants and statutory and listed building consents, balancing the extraordinary significance of this unique property with the need to secure a sustainable future.

Externally, Joanne also advised on the immediate and wider landscape, including the demolition of a considerable number of mid-20th-century structures, with a view to restoring the landscape's historic character.

Joanne built a strong relationship with the new owners, bringing together relevant experts and providing ongoing, timely conservation advice, particularly regarding the careful uncovering of highly significant historic features.

The project is ongoing, and during her involvement, both with the National Trust and afterwards, she secured swift delivery of positive decisions to enable the restoration and adaptation of the property and its landscape to meet the terms of the restrictive covenant.