Restoration plans will give historic hall new lease of life

An aerial impression of what the restored hall and gardens will look like - if planners give the go ahead.

The hall is a Grade II* listed country house surrounded by 174 acres of 18th century parkland and gardens which are part of the 3,000 acre estate.

The plans are being submitted in time for the 300th anniversary of the birth of William Burrell Massingberd who commissioned renowned architect James Paine to rebuild his family home in 1750 .

Under the plans being put forward to East Lindsey District Council, many of the original features Paine designed will be restored.

These include a pediment across the principle facade; a feature Paine included in many of his most famous designs.

Internally, many rooms, including the entrance hall and principal rooms, will be restored to how they would have looked in the 1920s, with paint analysis being used to replicate colour schemes.

Once the work is completed, the most impressive rooms on the ground floor will be open to the public once per month and the main rooms will be available for hire for events and functions.

Upstairs and in the adjacent stables, heritage apartments will be created to provide short stay visitor accommodation.

The remainder of the house will be retained as a private home for the estate’s custodians, Jon and Jan Thornes.

If planning permission is approved, the restoration will give the hall a new lease of life.

As well as having the hall rebuilt in 1750-52, William Burrell Massingberd also commissioned Edward Gardner to redesign the 174 acres of surrounding parkland in 1749.

Under the plans, this will be restored, with tens of thousands of trees planted. A new boathouse and a bird hide will be constructed.

Leading conservationists involved include Marcus Beale of Marcus Beale Architects who previously worked on the restoration of Westminster Abbey’s Chapter House.

Estate spokesman Damien-Howard Pask: “The estate has an ambitious vision for regenerating the village and wider local area to improve it as a place to live, work, rest and play.

“The restoration of the hall and parklands is a key part of our vision.

“We want to bring South Ormsby Hall and the parkland back to its former glory so future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate it - and so that we can create jobs and reinvigorate the local economy.”

•Find out more about the South Ormsby Estate and it’s vision for the future at www.southormsbyestate.co.uk.