Work to replace stately home roof nears completion

Vital work to replace a 100-year-old roof on a Grade I listed stately home is nearing completion.

Construction started on Boughton House, near Kettering, Northamptonshire in October, to restore the structure, with replacement Collyweston slates sourced from reclaimed stock from the estate.

Over 20 tonnes of new lead has already been placed on the roof along with timber sourced from an oak tree from the estate.

Matthew Curwen, building operations manager at the estate, said the structure had reached a stage where it could not be repaired any more and it was of "paramount importance to keep the building wind and watertight".

Curwen said: "The roof had reached a stage where it simply couldn't be repaired any more.

"It is around 100 years since it was last repaired and, while it has served the house well, it was due a full replacement – patchwork repairs were no longer an option.

"As a Grade I listed property, it is of paramount importance to keep the building wind and watertight."

"All the works have taken place under a temporary roof system, creating a controlled environment to protect both the building and the works from adverse weather over the winter months."

The roof was made up of Collyweston stone from the county, which can be hard to source, he added.

"In total more than 10 different contractors have been involved, with about 50 people working across a range of trades including architecture, leaded light conservators, painting and decoration, as well as specialist areas such as bat conservation", he said.

"We are renewing not just the roof, but other elements of the building where significant damage has occurred over the years, including windows and roof timbers – essentially working our way through the structure."

He added the focus was on traditional design with modern techniques.

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