The Raby team have now completed the first phase of restoration works which will see this incredible Grade I Listed Building being taken off the buildings at risk register. The works have included installation of steel ties to the main walls and roof timbers, a complete re-roof, rebuild and repair of the chimneys, repointing the entire building and installation of new leaded windows. In addition to the hall itself, we have also restored the Dovecote to its former glory, securing the future of both for generations to come.
We used no less than 5 ton of hydraulic lime, 25 ton of sand and 2 ton of timber, which was milled from seasoned oak grown on the Raby Estate.
Further plans are now being considered to move onto phase 2, which will see the refurbishment of the interior of the hall to provide modern accommodation and restoration of the farm buildings.
About Gainford Hall
Gainford Hall is a large Grade I listed house and was built during the closing years of the reign of Elizabeth I for Reverend John Cradock, Vicar of Gainford. It’s layout, two rooms deep, was considered ‘cutting-edge’ for its day and it’s possibly the earliest such house in the North of England.
Gainford Hall has not seen any major restoration for over 100 years and it is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register, reflecting its need for significant and extensive repairs before any of its fabric is lost. The building recently came back under the control of Raby Estates and its removal from the at-risk register is a priority for the Estate, Historic England, and officers of Durham County Council.
The high quality residential development at Gainford will fund the restoration of Gainford Hall and it is hoped that a sustainable, future use for the building can be found.
This restoration project is being overseen by our Buildings Manager Phillip Dent, Maintenance Manager Michael Bennett and our experienced team who have been undertaking the ongoing repairs which include re-roofing, chimney repairs and leadwork. The huge task of replacing and restoring all of the lead windows has been supported by our latest apprentices Jack Addison and Daniel McCauley who have been learning the trade and proving invaluable with stonework and joinery repairs. This project seeks to maintain as many of the Hall’s original features as possible and we are committed to using local suppliers including C.S Scaffolders and Middleton Forge.
These important renovations for Gainford Hall are due to be completed in 2022 and Savills are now marketing the property as a residential let, (see the brochure). We hope this future use will secure tenants who will take pride in maintaining this historic building and we believe a residential use will create minimal disturbance for neighbours, with little intervention to the historic building itself. We are also hoping to convert the outer farm buildings to employment use which will bring more jobs to the area.
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Historic Gainford Hall Hits the Rental Market
Gainford Hall Restoration Project
Grade one listed Gainford Hall removed from Historic England Risk Register
