Work begins on restoring Oulton Hall
Oulton Hall owner Bolton Agnew.Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
A £5m-plus restoration project has begun on a historic Norfolk hall which was ravaged by fire earlier this year.
The fire that broke out at Oulton Hall. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
Oulton Hall, near Aylsham, was gutted by a blaze in May, with temperatures reaching 1,000 deg C.
The house, dating from the 18th century, will be restored to its former glory with added 'mod cons'.
It currently has scaffolding up to support the outline structure and asbestos has been removed from the house.
Due to the temperature of the fire, planning applications have been submitted to allow the removal of a small section of wall where the bricks were damaged by heat.
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A temporary roof will be put on first, hopefully by Christmas, so that work to the floor can begin.
It is hoped the permanent roof and flooring will be finished by July next year.
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Owner Bolton Agnew said: 'We may have some double glazing put in and some modern heating. This is to make sure we adhere to current building regulations that are in place when you rebuild a house.
'The whole process has been done in close association with the local conservation officer to try and keep the period detailing.'
The reconstruction will use some of the salvaged materials, and anything new will match the existing ones.
The cost of the restoration is being funded by the Royal Sun Alliance insurance company.
After the floor and roof are finished, work will begin on the rest of the house, including panelling, joinery work, plumbing and heating.
Mr Agnew is looking forward to the work progressing. He said: 'It means that I will have my home back and future proofed to the 22nd century.
'In the meantime though, it's an interesting and absorbing project to do.'
Mr Agnew is hoping to move back into his home in early 2018.
Are you taking on a major building project? Email Hayley.Johnston@archant.co.uk
