Stately home to be restored after devastating fire

The plans include walkways and staircases inside the house

Plans to restore an 18th century stately home in Surrey which was badly damaged by fire have been approved, a council has said.

Guildford Borough Council unanimously agreed to the National Trust's proposals to deliver a "major conservation and re-presentation" project at Clandon Park.

The accidental fire at the Grade I listed home near Guildford in 2015 burned through floors and ceilings, destroying much of the historical collection.

The National Trust says the exterior of the building will be "restored so that it appears as it did before the blaze".

The plans will also see the conservation of the interiors which will be "made useable and accessible by the introduction of sensitively designed staircases, a basement-to-roof level lift and generous walkways".

The roof will be transformed into a public terrace, providing views over the wider local landscape.

Historic collections are being conserved and will be redisplayed in creative ways, according to the National Trust.

The fire in 2015 was started accidentally

Dr Kent Rawlinson, curatorial and creative director of Clandon Park Project, said: "It's such a huge step forward in bringing the house back to life as a beautiful, surprising and thought-provoking place that celebrates its many, layered histories.

"The plans will enable Clandon to serve and entertain new generations of people both locally and nationally."

Construction is expected to start in autumn with the property reopening in 2029.

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