Clandon Park: Architect chosen to rebuild fire-hit mansion

A team of architects has been selected to rebuild an 18th Century mansion destroyed by fire.

The blaze in April 2015 reduced all but one room at Clandon Park, near Guildford in Surrey, to a charred shell.

It is thought to have been started by an electrical fault.

Architects Allies and Morrison will work with the National Trust to develop a final design, which is expected to be revealed next year.

It was unanimously selected by a panel, which included heritage, architecture and local experts, following a competition in which six finalists were shortlisted earlier this year.

The proposed concept for the stately home is at an early design stage

The jury praised the winning team's bold yet balanced approach to "respect the quality and character of the mansion house in its historic setting".

The proposed concept for the stately home is at an early design stage, but the whole project is expected to cost £30m.

Early designs envisage a courtyard garden above the Marble Hall

It envisages a new entrance to the house, new gallery spaces, and a courtyard garden above the Marble Hall.

Paul Appleton, partner at Allies and Morrison, said: "We feel enormously privileged to work with the National Trust to unfold the story Clandon Park has to tell and to begin, together, to weave plans for its future around the extraordinary evidence of its past."

Construction work is expected to begin by early 2019.