Glynde Place in East Sussex has been crowned the winner of the 2017 Historic Houses Association (HHA) Restoration Award, sponsored by Sotheby’s.
The Restoration Award recognizes and celebrates the work being undertaken by Members of the HHA throughout the United Kingdom. These projects reflect the dedication of owners to the care and sympathetic restoration of the incredible buildings that they own, inhabit and share with the public.
Owned by the same family since it was built in 1569, Grade I listed Glynde is today the family home of Francis and Caroline Brand (Lord and Lady Hampden) and their three children. The house sits at the heart of a modern estate which offers residential and commercial properties as well as weddings and concerts.
The building has developed with each generation, however, upon inheriting the house the family were met with the stark reality of a large house divided into distinct areas, some of which were neglected, damp and unsuitable for use a family home. The Brands set out to restore this beautiful Elizabethan mansion to its former glory as a lived-in home, to conserve the historic fabric, integrate modern services, and create an event and visitor area.
A specialist team created a new entrance hall, now full of family photos and evidence of everyday life, with a “Great Door” that sits behind the original medieval oak door which was repaired and retained.
Two unstable curved window bays, which on occasion sent glass crashing to the ground, were rebuilt. Structural repairs were undertaken and damaged Elizabethan stained glass was sent to a specialist conservator. Additionally, the Gallery ceiling was restored to its former glory using original materials and traditional methods.
As well as preventing this house from falling into further disrepair, creating a homely environment for the family, and enabling the general public to experience and use the space, the project has led to numerous opportunities for study by scholars and apprentices.
Harry Dalmeny, Sotheby’s Chairman, UK Private Clients said: “Sotheby’s are again delighted to sponsor the Historic Houses Association’s Restoration Award. Glynde Place is a well-deserved winner and Lord and Lady Hampden and his team have restored the beautiful house into a family home suitable for modern living, weddings and concerts while maintaining its Elizabethan charm. The restoration projects undertaken by HHA Members reflects their commitment to the buildings in their care. Projects like this mean that people will be able to enjoy and use these houses for many more generations.”
