A historic property in Boston – dubbed ‘the grandest house in town’ – is reopening this weekend with free tours on offer, following a year-long, £2.3 million restoration project.

The work at the Grade I listed Fydell House, in South Street, has brought about a range of improvements, including repairing damage from the war.

Since closing last spring, major roof repairs have been carried out, alongside upgrades to the electrics and the heating. In addition, a brand-new kitchen has been installed and there has been complete redecoration carried out both inside and outside the 300-year-old building.

Other improvements have been made including information boards, and displays that help bring the history of the house to life, complemented by work to tidy and update the garden.

Fydell House, in South Street, Boston, is reopening after a £2.3 refurbishment project.

placeholder image — Fydell House, in South Street, Boston, is reopening after a £2.3 refurbishment project.

Two new artworks have also been installed – a mural by Ellie Benton and a photographic mosaic by Allan Levy.

The work has been made possible thanks to funding from: The National Lottery Heritage Fund; the Government’s Town Deal scheme (as overseen by the Boston Neighbourhood Board); and other benefactors.

Fydell House reopens to the public this weekend, with free tours on Saturday (July 18) from 10am-12.30pm and Sunday (10am-4pm). The tearoom will also be open.

Martin Fairman, chairman of Boston Preservation Trust, which owns Fydell House said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be able to reopen the doors to Fydell House and invite people to come in and experience this magnificent building for themselves.

Accessibility was one of the areas that received attention as part of the project.

“Fydell House has always been an impressive building and a hugely important part of Boston’s heritage of which the town can be rightfully proud. Now, it can offer even more for our local community and for visitors from further afield.

“With the improvements carried out and better facilities available, we are perfectly placed to be a place of choice for weddings, room hire, and other events, as well as a space for everyone to come in and spend time.

“I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who has helped us to reach this stage – our funders, National Lottery players, our volunteers, and the team of experts who carried out the meticulous work.

“Fydell House may once have been known as the grandest house in town, but we hope that people will also know it as a house for all, a place for people of all ages and interests to experience and enjoy. We would love to welcome visitors to the house this weekend, to have a free tour and see this for themselves.

“I am excited about the future for this beautiful building and seeing the role it will continue to play in the coming years, building on its incredible history, right here in the heart of Boston’s cultural quarter.”

As a Grade I listed building, Fydell House is classed by Historic England as ‘of exceptional interest’. In Boston, Fydell House is one of only a handful of non churches to carry the status, with its neighbour, The Guildhall, being one of the others.

Coun Sarah Sharpe, portfolio holder for heritage, culture and tourism at Boston Borough Council, said: “It is fantastic to see the care and attention that has gone into the sensitive restoration of Fydell House. As one of Boston’s most important historic landmarks, the building plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing our town’s rich heritage.

“Fydell House has immense cultural and historic significance for Boston. Alongside The Guildhall, Blackfriars and St Botolph’s Church, it forms the heart of Boston’s Cultural Quarter and provides an important gateway to the town’s heritage. More than a community building, it is a valued visitor attraction that celebrates Boston’s history, architecture and community.

A new kitchen has been installed as part of the works.

“It was therefore essential that the restoration struck the right balance between preserving the building’s historic character and introducing sympathetic improvements that will ensure it can be enjoyed by residents, visitors and future generations.

“I would encourage everyone to come and see the transformation for themselves. The restoration provides a wonderful opportunity to experience one of Boston’s most beautiful buildings and discover something new about our town’s fascinating story.”

Richard Tice, MP for Boston and Skegness said: “It is fantastic to see the restoration work at Fydell House now complete. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Boston Town Deal, one of our town’s most important historic buildings has been brought back to life for future generations to enjoy.

“I had the privilege of visiting Fydell House while the restoration was underway, so it is especially rewarding to see Boston’s grandest house reopening its doors to the public. This is a significant moment for our town and one that I hope will inspire a real sense of pride in our local heritage.”

Find out more about what’s happening at Fydell House by visiting: fydellhouse.org.uk or follow on Facebook and Instagram @fydellhouse