Calverley Old Hall's transformation after huge project

Building conservation charity, The Landmark Trust has today revealed the fruits of its £5.1m project to safeguard Calverley Old Hall for future generations.

The renovation – 43 years in the making and described as an “immensely complex repair and conversion project” - was made possible thanks to £1,750,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as support from the Culture Recovery Fund, trusts and foundations, generous gifts in wills and 2,005 further individual supporters.

The beautiful building has been brought back into use (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) Dr Anna Keay OBE, director of the Landmark Trust, said: “Calverley Old Hall is a sensationally important medieval building that has now been completely reborn thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the design brilliance of Cowper Griffith Architects, and the peerless skills of the craftspeople involved.

“There could be no better beginning to our charity’s 60th anniversary than to reveal the completed building and celebrate the achievement of all those involved.”

How the building looked before restoration (Image: The Landmark Trust)

The Landmark Trust said the historic building was developed from the 12th century onwards, but recently sat in a state of “desperate dilapidation, largely derelict in internal condition and, scattered with fractured masonry and fallen timber, considered amongst the most at-risk buildings in England”.

The building has undergone a painstaking restoration (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) Now, the whole site has been given a new use, combining the conservation of medieval fabric with contemporary design.

“Spectacular self-catering holiday accommodation for up to 10 people is sensitively situated alongside dedicated community-use space and an assured shorthold tenancy one-bedroom flat," said the charity.

"The collective income will ensure Calverley Old Hall never again falls into disrepair."

Calverley Old Hall’s rejuvenation included the discovery of a near-complete chamber of sophisticated wall paintings, now painstakingly conserved.

Historian Caroline Stanford with the unearthed wall paintings (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) At the project’s heart has been public engagement, including the sharing of traditional craft skills with volunteers, trainees, and apprentices.

Masonry and timber have been repaired by the collective skill of experts, as well as those altogether new to heritage.

“Launched at a time of instability and uncertainty in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, work provided stepping-stones for a new generation of specialists and facilitated opportunities for more than 3,000 people, including members of the local community, young people, people seeking asylum, and those seeking employment,” said the charity.

The beautiful interior (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) They added: “Landmark’s team also included Ilkley-based Dobson Construction Ltd, together with Opus Conservation and many other exacting specialists.

“Environmental sustainability has been core, with salvaged fabric re-used wherever possible, ground source heat pumps feeding underfloor heating, and sheep’s wool used to insulate the roof.

“The charity has also worked to make as much of the building accessible to as many people as possible.

“The three years of collective onsite works have been filmed by Channel 4 for an hour-long TV special."

Calverley Old Hall is now available for people to use as holiday accommodation (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to have supported the magnificent restoration and reveal of the treasure that is Calverley Old Hall.

“This building was long at risk, and the Landmark Trust have not just saved the building but given it new life at the heart of this area, boosting the local economy and providing a new community space for all to enjoy.

“It has also been fantastic that the project has provided apprenticeships and training opportunities, allowing many the chance to get their first hands-on heritage experience, helping to ensure that fragile heritage skills have been passed on to the next generation and connecting people and communities to their heritage.

Pictured in the garden kitchen are engagement manager Vicky Thompson and engagement officer Hannah Thompson (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds) "Congratulations to all involved in securing a bright and sustainable future for Calverley Hall. Thanks to funding from National Lottery players this wonderful building and its heritage will be valued, cared for, and sustained, for everyone, now and in the future.”

Calverley Old Hall will be open to the public this Sunday, October 6, from 10am until 4pm.

There will be activities for all the family and the day is a chance for people to see the huge amount of work and craftsmanship that has gone into the building’s restoration.

Admission is free for all, though capacity is limited so booking is advised to guarantee entry.

Bookings for holidays from autumn 2024 onwards are now available.

For more information about Calverley Old Hall including the Tudor wall paintings, the history of the building, and the Calverley family, together with further details about the holiday let or community space and to join events, visit: www.landmarktrust.org.uk/calverley