Weston Park wins restoration award

Weston Park, at Weston-under-Lizard near the Shropshire border, received one of four commendations at the Historic Houses Association (HHA)/ Sotheby's Restoration Award ceremony for the work carried out to restore the orangery.

The orangery, which is similar to a modern-day conservatory, has been kept to its original 1865 Victorian design, which included returning to a visibly glazed roof to remove the silk lining that was erected internally in 1999.

The prize celebrates restoration projects undertaken by the 1,570 privately and charitably owned historic houses, castles and gardens that make up the HHA.

Colin Sweeney, chief executive of the Weston Park Foundation, said the award made the hard work worthwhile.

He added: "We are delighted to have been commended by the HHA and Sotheby's for this year's restoration award.

"It was a challenging project, one of the biggest that we have undertaken since Weston Park was placed in the care of the foundation in 1986. The toughest aspect was the installation of over 200 glass panels, which now form the stunning roof.

"It's not only a successful restoration but has also resulted in an amazing transformation, so to be commended by our peers is really something special.

"With its historic architecture and grand vistas across the gardens and landscape, the orangery plays a central role in the weddings, celebrations and events that take place at Weston Park."

Earlier this year, Weston Park was selected by Heston Blumenthal as the setting in which to serve afternoon tea in his Channel 4 series Heston's Great British Food and has been the location for a series of special afternoon tea experiences organised by Weston Park's head chef Guy Day over the summer.

Weston Park's history dates back to the Domesday Book, while in recent times it has taken its place on the global stage by playing host to events such as the G8 Summit of world leaders in 1998.