£20,000 boost for Killerton roof repairs

Killerton House, near Exeter, has received a major £20,000 boost towards their overall fundraising target of £100,000 to plug the gaps in its leaking roof. Viridor Credits Environmental Company has awarded a grant via the Landfill Communities Fund to help to bring the historic roof scape back to life.

The £20,000 grant will fund rebuilding chimneys to their original heights and features, providing aesthetic value and symmetry to the mansion. Archive photographs of Killerton House have been carefully researched to inform the designs. Some chimneys will also be lined to allow the introduction of wood burners, using sustainably sourced logs from the estate. The chimneys will also provide ventilation features to help with air circulation inside the mansion, removing the need for the air conditioning units on the existing roof.

The chimney rebuilds form part of a major conservation project to protect Killerton House. The project’s main focus is to replace the leaking main lead flat roof, with vital restoration to the chimneys, parapets and redecoration to the interior and exterior. A fundraising campaign is helping to raise the last £100,000 needed to complete the project.

Gareth Williams, Operations Manager at Viridor Credits, said “Killerton House is a well-known landmark in the South West, and the local steering group was delighted to be able to help restore this elegant and much-loved property.”

Bryony Wilde, Project Officer said: “We’re delighted that Viridor Credits have supported the project. Their generous grant will make a huge difference to the look and feel of the house and has significantly helped towards plugging the £100k funding gap – a big thank you to everybody who’s kindly donated to the campaign so far.”

She continued: “As a charity, we rely on grants, donations and legacies alongside memberships and visitor income. Killerton is so special to so many and together we can keep caring for it ever, for everyone. When you visit us, please keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to donate”.

At the turn of the century, it is believed Sir Charles Dyke Acland re-modelled the roof scape, making the chimneys more prominent. Since then, most chimneys have been removed and capped and just one remains on the main flat roof today.

The major conservation project is due to complete at the end of October. Killerton is open as usual throughout, apart from the stairway and first floor (fashion exhibition) which are closed until the project completes.

The charity are still hoping for vital donations from the community to help them reach their £100,000 target. Supporters can donate online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/care-for-killerton.

Roof project information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/care-for-killerton
Killerton website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton