Orangery has new lease of life!

The 18th century Orangery at Kelmarsh Hall was salvaged in the
1950’s from neighbouring Brixworth Hall, and the Finnis Scott
Foundation, Garfi eld Weston Foundation, Northamptonshire
Gardens Trust alongside private donors, local businesses and
members of the public have supported The Kelmarsh Trust to
renovate this beautiful building and secure its future.
Works were completed in October and an offi cial opening and
thank-you event took place in December. One of the guests
at the opening was Joan Clapham from Brixworth, who was
photographed in front of the Orangery in 1947 when it was
located at Brixworth Hall and delighted to see the building,
once again, wonderfully renewed nearly 70 years later!

Previously derelict and inaccessible the Orangery will now
enhance any visit to the Hall and Gardens. The Orangery has
the most beautiful glass roof and even on a cold dull day it is
a light, warm and tranquil place. Visitors will be able to sit
inside and experience quiet contemplation while enjoying the
vista across the grazing Kelmarsh herd of British White cattle.
There will also be a programme of learning in 2015 to include
fl ower arranging, yoga and art classes.

The building is an important part of Northamptonshire’s
heritage as it is faced with Kingsthorpe Pendle, soft white
sandstone, which is no longer quarried and quite rare.
The Orangery was listed on English Heritage’s National
Monuments record in 1945, and is the only publicly accessible
remnant from Brixworth Hall.

To ensure that this distinctive building now stays in good repair
and is enjoyed by as many people as possible, it will also be
available for small civil wedding ceremonies, special birthdays
and anniversary celebrations. Kelmarsh Trust is very grateful
to all involved with the restoration project who have enabled
this charming 18th century Orangery to become a valued part
of the Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens experience.Christmas Afternoon Tea