Restoration work completed at Felbrigg Hall in north Norfolk

A seven-month refurbishment at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk has been completed <i>(Image: National Trust)</i>
A seven-month refurbishment at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk has been completed (Image: National Trust)
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A major restoration project has been completed at a historic estate.

The seven-month scheme at the National Trust's Felbrigg Hall in north Norfolk focused on the South Corridor, a 36-metre-long service wing dating back to the 1750s.

Work included removing, repairing and realigning the entire roof to improve water drainage and protect the structure from damage caused by climate change.

Works took seven months on the South Corridor (Image: National Trust)

"We are thrilled to reopen the South Corridor of Felbrigg Hall after seven months of construction," Jody Mckenzie, project manager for the National Trust, said.

"Visitors will once again be able to enjoy the full route through the house now that it’s protected from future weather conditions.

"It is thanks to our funders, National Trust members and visitors that projects such as this can happen."

The upgraded drainage system now directs rainwater into a sustainable system, including a 10,000-litre harvesting tank for garden use.

Internal restoration has also reinstated an early 20th-century colour scheme with buff-painted lime plaster walls, crimson windows and chocolate-coloured woodwork.

The project "strengthened and refreshed" the area (Image: National Trust)

Ms Mckenzie explained that hidden repairs like these are vital for the long-term preservation of the building.

She said: "Caring for things out of sight, such as roofs and drainage systems, allows us to protect the wider fabric of the hall and its collection, so that more people can experience them for many years to come."

The project was partially funded by a grant from the Wolfson Foundation, as well as donations from National Trust members and money raised through Felbrigg’s second-hand bookshop.

Ceiling repairs carried out on the site (Image: National Trust)

Improvements have extended to the grounds, where the neighbouring Rose Garden now features step-free York stone paths and additional cast iron benches.

Visitors to the hall begin their tour in the South Corridor, which houses rooms used by estate workers in past centuries.

These include the estate office servants’ hall, and tenants’ waiting room.

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