Part-restoration of fire-hit Clandon Park begins

Clandon Park was destroyed by an accidental fire in April 2015

Work to partly restore an 18th Century National Trust property near Guildford has begun almost 10 years after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The Grade I-listed Clandon Park was a popular visitor attraction before the fire, which was caused by an electrical fault.

Guildford Borough Council approved plans to restore the historic home at a planning meeting earlier this month.

Restoration project director Kent Rawlinson, from the National Trust, said: "We are thrilled to receive these approvals and endorsements of our plans.

"It's such a huge step forward in bringing Clandon Park back to life as a beautiful, surprising and thought-provoking place that celebrates its many, layered histories."

The flames destroyed much of the inside of the house, however the brick exterior and shell remained largely intact.

The National Trust's Kent Rawlinson says it is important to bring Clandon Park "back to life"

Mr Rawlinson told the BBC the exterior of the property will be restored as it appeared before the fire, while the interior will include a roof terrace.

He said the flooring inside the house walkways will be replaced, the Speakers' Parlour will be restored, and new accessibility and catering facilities will be added.

The National Trust says it hopes the restoration work will be completed by 2028 with the house reopened to the public the following year.

The cost of the project is being met in part by the insurance funds from the fire, it adds.

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