We are thrilled for our client that the roof of Jane Austen’s House is to be restored after they were awarded a grant by Historic England and Historic Houses Foundation from the second round of the Heritage Stimulus Fund, part of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. The grant, coupled with support from Hampshire County Council and generous donations from their fans and supporters, has enabled them to begin the critical job of restoring and protecting Jane Austen’s precious home. We are honoured to have been appointed to provide Quantity Surveying services on this very special project.
The roof was last refurbished in 1948 before the House opened to the public. Over 70 years on and over a million visitors later, major repairs are required to ensure the water-tightness of the building and preserve the museum collection.
Jane Austen’s House is among 142 historic sites across England to receive grants worth £35 million through the government’s Culture Recovery Fund. Jane Austen’s House Director Lizzie Dunford said: “It is truly excellent news that Jane Austen’s House has been awarded this grant. Thanks to this support, alongside that of Hampshire County Council and the thousands of people across the globe who have donated to our fundraising campaign, we can now restore the roof which sheltered Austen as she created some of the greatest masterpieces of English Literature and protect her treasured belongings and inspirational home for future generations.”
Restoring the roof is a big project, requiring numerous reclaimed, handmade clay roof tiles to be installed by specialist contractors. We are working alongside Pritchard Architecture and Clarke Roofing (Southern) Ltd to carry out the restoration, which has recently begun.
For more information please visit:
https://janeaustens.house/janes-roof-saved/