Hidden heritage is being revealed at Staunton Country Park through the conservation of key buildings, historic features and landscape restoration works.
The project at Staunton Country Park is part of the Country Parks transformation programme and has involved expertise from across our Property Services team, working with our countryside colleagues who had the vision to drive these projects forward, and with part funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Covering approximately 300 acres of land, Staunton Country Park is a conservation area, registered Grade II* in the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens with no fewer than ten listed structures of Grade II and II*. Specialist lime render conservators have undertaken essential works to stabilise and restore The Beacon, an ionic temple built in 1830. An oak balustrade has been installed to the Chinese bridge, which was constructed in 1831, adopting the design from historic paintings. Works to the Shell House, built in 1828 and decorated with shells from Hayling Island, will include an elegant modern interpretation to recreate the crown from evidence in historic paintings, and the reinstatement of missing pebbles and damaged stonework to the façade.
Our Architecture team has transformed the 1874 Victorian coach house, stables and former dairy to provide a new visitor centre hub with information and activity spaces, toilets including a new accessible toilet, and a café with indoor seating beautifully incorporated into the former stables. The footprint of William Stone’s 1861 Mansion overlooking the lake has been marked out in stone paving and essential repairs have been made to the terrace and steps which are the last remaining remnants of the house.
An external landscape architect was appointed in accordance with the National Lottery Heritage Fund guidelines and, using sympathetic planting and the design principals of the Regency period, opened up views across the park.
The visitor experience will be fully enhanced with interpretation, way finding signage, a new folly, children’s play area, improved access and other facilities allowing visitors to relax, explore, and enjoy this beautiful and historically significant park.
Further information about Staunton Country Park
Image. Top left and below left: café incorporated into former stable, top right: The Chinese Bridge, below right: The Beacon, Below middle: The Shell House