This Grade II* listed Country house, owned by The National Trust needed to prioritise repairs and re-pointing of the ashlar stonework on the three principal elevations of the original house. Having put the work out to competitive tender, conservation contractors were appointed and work is due to commence on site in November 2009 when the house has fewer visitors.

Phase 1 works on the southern elevation are to include;

• Face cleaning of moderately delaminated/spalled stone surfaces.
• Mortar (plastic) repairs to severely delaminated/spalled stone surfaces.
• Stone pinning to replace missing sections of stone.
• Raking out loose pointing to ashlar joints.
• Keystone repairs and pinning to reposition displaced stones.
• Re-pointing in lime putty mortar.

The National Trust is keen to use the repair works as an opportunity to engage the visiting public with the process of repair and maintenance of this historic building. It is intended to display information adjacent to the working area on the type and consequences of the defects, remedial works and repair methods and materials.