This campaign has now closed
We have embarked upon a major project to transform Tyntesfield, the spectacular Victorian estate near Bristol, from a secluded private residence into a vibrant public resource. Restoration work is taking place in full public view – a pioneering approach that is proving to be enormously rewarding.
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Our current fundraising priority is: Restoring the Orangery Help return the beauty to Tyntesfield’s most elegant building. Emerging gracefully from beyond the colourful dahlias, the Orangery at Tyntesfield was designed to be the ornamental heart of the kitchen garden complex. Built in 1897 in the neoclassical style, it is a startling contrast to the gothic revival found elsewhere at Tyntesfield. Sadly, years of neglect have caused the building to fall into serious disrepair. Water has penetrated the structure, mortar has been washed from brick joints and large amounts of decorative stonework have crumbled and fallen away. So grave is the deterioration that the Orangery has been placed on English Heritage’s Buildings At Risk Register within the highest priority. The decay has been halted by a protective scaffold structure which envelops the building but this is just a temporary measure, major restoration work must be carried out soon if we are to rescue Tyntesfield’s Orangery. We need to carry out extensive masonry repair on all elevations and to reinstate the crisp decorative detail. We also need to address the causes of deterioration by removing root systems and upgrading the parapet gutter leadwork to improve water discharge. The restoration work will provide an ideal opportunity for apprentice stonemasons to work alongside master craftsmen, developing their expertise and ensuring that heritage building skills are passed on from generation to generation. Once restored, the Orangery will again be a fitting focal point within the Jubilee Gardens - a tranquil place where visitors can rest for a moment and enjoy the fragrance of citrus blossom and a delightful entertaining space which will generate valuable revenue for Tyntesfield. It will cost £420,000 to fully restore the Orangery. To date we have raised £170,000 and our fundraising target is £250,000. We would be grateful for any support you could offer to help us restore this beautiful building.