Heritage, Leisure
£4.3 million
11 months
A landmark restoration of a Grade II* listed treasure, transforming a derelict Georgian structure into a vibrant visitor destination that celebrates both architectural heritage and one of the world’s oldest camellia collections.
Project Overview
Supported by major funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project demanded meticulous craftsmanship, sensitive conservation work and collaboration across multiple disciplines. William Birch was proud to play a central role in bringing this remarkable building back to life.
‘Everything was an opportunity to develop a philosophy that goes beyond building conservation. If everyone approached their projects with that level of care we’d be in a very good place.’
Judges comments at the Architects Journal awards in the category of Community Impact
“A beautifully restored landmark that honours its past while serving as a vibrant space for contemporary use, providing an invaluable asset for education, tourism, and horticultural conservation.”
Judges’ comments at the Civic Trust Awards
Scope of Works
The meticulous restoration process has been documented by Wentworth Woodhouse volunteers in a series of videos, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail involved. You can view the final one here
Challenges & Our Approach
Protection of the treasured camellias
The camellias became the heart of the project, the raison d’etre of the Camellia House and the subject of many camera crews, horticulture experts and the local community. They were protected at all costs and every person had their part to play.
Architects, engineers, horticulture experts, specialist sub-contractors and suppliers met weekly to review progress and resolve key challenges.
Specialist scaffolds were used to protect the camellias whilst allowing enough daylight for the plants and mitigating dust and debris from entering the soil. Growing beds were encased in timber and covered with thick plastic sheeting to prevent lime plater dust and debris entering the soil.
Specialist LED lighting and light tunnels were installed to improve the LUX levels for the plants. The camellias thrived through it all and now take pride of place in the restored Camellia House.
Installing new trusses on a building that had settled unevenly
One significant concern from a buildability perspective was that the Camellia House, due to its age and the post war open cast mining at Wentworth Woodhouse, had settled unevenly. The house had in fact tilted 200mm from east to west. This made installing the refurbished roof trusses and new glass panes a real challenge.
The reinstatement of the lost roof structure using traditional lead-clad glazing bars, alongside the reinforcement of the corroded iron trusses through traditional riveting techniques, highlights the project’s commitment to authenticity.
Sustainability
The use of UV lighting to supplement natural daylight and maintain horticultural viability during the winter months is another innovative approach. These measures have ensured that the Camellia House has remained an environmentally responsible structure that can be sustained long-term.
Social Value Delivered
- Local Employment:
A general operative from within 2 miles of the Wentworth Woodhouse Estate worked on-site for the full duration of the project. - Apprenticeships:
Our electrical and stone masonry contractors contributed 60 apprentice weeks, providing valuable hands-on experience. - Local Spend:
61% of subcontractors were appointed from within a 30-mile radius, supporting the regional economy and local supply chain. - Training Opportunities:
A Trainee Site Manager, who joined William Birch in July 2022 after completing a T-Level in Construction and Built Environment, spent around 20 weeks on-site. He is now progressing toward a degree with the goal of becoming a qualified Site Manager.
Awards
- The European Heritage Award/Europe Nostra Award
- Civic Trust Awards 2025, AABC Conservation Award – Highly Commended
- Georgian Group Award 2024, Re-Use of a Georgian Building – Winner
- RICS Regional Awards (Yorkshire & Humberside) 2024, Refurbishment/Revitalisation Project – Winner
- Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice 2023, Innovation Category – Winner
Outcome
The restoration of the Grade II* listed Camellia House has transformed a once at-risk building into a vibrant, income-generating asset for Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust. Now operating as an elegant tearoom, the project has created a unique visitor experience while supporting the Trust’s wider restoration goals through sustainable revenue. The building’s future has been safeguarded for generations to come.
The project has also had a significant social impact—hosting weekly sessions for community groups and earning recognition through the Architect’s Journal Community Impact Award, a European Nostra Award for heritage, and a Green Apple Award for sustainability.
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