Reg.Nr. HA-2013/GB/23

Horace Walpole’s Villa and Garden at Strawberry Hill, Twickenham

Private villa on the Thames, in domestic use c.1700 until 1923; 1925 to 1993 in use as university staff accommodation. The building had no clear use from 1993 onwards. Strawberry Hill has been fully restored: the fabric of the building made watertight, dry and wet rot ...
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Project details

Title:Horace Walpole’s Villa and Garden at Strawberry Hill, Twickenham
Entr. year: 2013
Result:Grand Prix
Country: United Kingdom
Town: Twickenham
Category type: building conservation
Notes:Project full title "Restoration of Horace Walpole’s Villa and Garden at Strawberry Hill, Twickenham"
Building type/ Project type: residential building
Former use:Country house; university staff accommodation
Actual use:Cultural attraction, with a major educational programme and income generating activities to ensure the sustainability of the property
Built: 18th century
Architect / Proj.leader: Horace Walpole , Strawberry Hill House
The Jury's citation: “Horace Walpole’s ‘plaything house’, which from 1747 he transformed into a gothic castle is famous in the history of architecture, and culture generally, on an international level. But it had become seriously neglected, falling into decay and suffering even more from poor repairs. By public engagement and local and national support, in 2007 it was possible for the foundation to obtain a long lease and start restoration work, based on highly detailed research and the archaeology of the building itself. The Jury applauded the beautiful conservation of this exceptionally influential place, and admired the courage and commitment shown by local volunteers and their professional partners."
GPS:51°26'10,1" N; 0°20'12,4" W
Web, Links:

www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/

Description:
Private villa on the Thames, in domestic use c.1700 until 1923; 1925 to 1993 in use as university staff accommodation. The building had no clear use from 1993 onwards. Strawberry Hill has been fully restored: the fabric of the building made watertight, dry and wet rot eliminated, roofs and drainage renewed. Modern interventions have been removed or adapted. New services, electricity and heating systems have been installed together with IT provision. As a result of an extensive research programme the interiors have been conserved and renewed according to their original 18thc designs. Walpole’s extraordinary collection of stained and painted glass has been rescued. Paint analysis revealed original colours and these have been copied faithfully. The stuccoed exteriors are lime-washed. The garden too has been restored to Walpole’s design with a grove of lime trees, a theatrical shrubbery and a Prior’s Garden with strawberries and roses. An Education Centre has been created with a Seminar room in the Round Tower. Above it on the top storey is a Print Room and Archive for use by students from around the world.