A JACOBEAN manor house could be removed from the heritage “at risk” register if proposals to make some internal alterations are given the go-ahead by planners.
Officials at Raby Estates have submitted plans to Durham County Council to make internal alternations at Gainford Hall to make the landmark seven-bedroom building ready for modern-day residential use.
Vital restoration work to the exterior of the grade I listed building and adjacent dovecote has been completed as part of Raby Estate’s multi-million redevelopment plan The Rising.
A heritage statement, prepared by Donald Install Associates on behalf of Raby Estates, said: “The proposals seek to convert the building for modern residential use, which would enable this building, still currently on the ‘At Risk’ register, to find an active, viable use which is consistent with its conservation.”
Alterations would be limited to areas that have already undergone significant change to ensure there is a limited impact on the listed building. Minimal alterations are proposed to the ground floor with plans to install vent pipes, convert an existing cold store into a toilet and cloakroom and open up existing fireplaces.
The majority of alternations are proposed to the first floor, with the removal of several 19th century partition walls to form a hallway gallery, providing access to two bedrooms, one with an en-suite, and a family bathroom.
Another en-suite bathroom with dressing room, accessed via the western staircase, will be created with the removal of a lightweight board partition.
On the second-floor, the removal of several partitions and new studwork will create a further three en-suite bedrooms, linked by a hallway accessible by both the east and west staircase.
No changes are proposed for the hall’s cellar. In the attic, “light touch interventions” are proposed to retain the attractiveness and significance of the “never-completed” space with minimal lighting and power services installed.
National estate agents Savills were retained in October last year to market the 17th century hall, built for John Craddock, vicar of Gainford, for rent with a guide price of £3,500 a month.
