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Project

Making improvements at Charlecote Park

A view of the house taken from the ground, under the Gatehouse arch next to a puddle, with blue skies above.
The project works will help look after Charlecote for generations to come. | © National Trust/Jana Eastwood

You may notice some changes when you next visit Charlecote, as we make much-needed improvements to the facilities, play our part to tackle climate change, and carry out work to look after the history here for generations to come.

Projects and changes at Charlecote

To improve your experience when you visit Charlecote, we’ve been making some changes, with major projects taking place over the last couple of years. These changes have included an improved car park with an all-weather surface, better accessibility and electric vehicle charging points.

We’re also working hard to reduce Charlecote’s reliance on fossil fuels by installing a biomass boiler and refurbishing the Victorian heating system in the house to include an intelligent, energy efficient system.

Conservation is at the heart of our work, and we will continue to care for Charlecote’s collections while these projects take place. Each of these projects will also help us to care for the nature, beauty and history at Charlecote for future generations.

Find the latest news about Charlecote’s projects

Now in 2024, we're looking ahead and planning our next actions for the continuation of these improvement and conservation projects. As we carry out work on various projects, we’ll keep this page updated with the latest news, as well as regular posts on Charlecote’s social media channels and up-to-date signage onsite.

Take a look at the project timeline below to see the work that’s coming up and discover how we’ve been caring for and improving Charlecote.

Visitors in the library at Charlecote Park, Warwickshire
Visitors in the library at Charlecote Park | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Timeline of projects at Charlecote Park

June 2023 - ongoing

Preserving Granny's Summerhouse

Last year, in 2023, we've invested in work to rethatch the roof on 'Granny's Summerhouse'.

Originally built by the Victorian owner Mary Elizabeth Lucy for her children and grandchildren, the Summerhouse is a Grade II listed building nestled in the formal gardens next to the Orangery café. 

The rethatching took place over three weeks, at the start of the summer and marks the start of a longer-term project to preserve the Grade II listed building over several years. The new roof will make the structure watertight and allow conservation experts to carry out surveys to assess the next conservation steps that are needed to preserve it so it can continue to be enjoyed for future generations. 

With the help of volunteers, the team have created a special Summerhouse pinbadge to help raise money for the remaining works which include repairing damage to the stained-glass windows, conserving the interior of the building - including the panelling and silk ceiling covers - and repairing the exterior larch cladding and some structural timbers.

Visitors can purchase a pin badge from the Visitor Reception or one of the shops when visiting Charlecote.

Granny's Summerhouse is surrounded by scaffolding and herace fencing. There are large bundles of straw on the floor nearby and the roof of the Summerhouse has been partially rethatched with golden coloured reed material. Blue skies above make the roof look quite yellow!
Visitors can support the rest of the conservation work by buying a special pin badge. | © Kezia Hopper
Autumnal morning on the lake in the garden at Charlecote Park, Warwickshire

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