BUILDING CONSERVATION OF LISTED BUILDING
Project Overview
Woodcote House at Leek Wootton was built in 1861 and extended in 1869. The house, built using locally quarried stone, was designed by John Gibson in the Elizabethan style for Henry Christopher Wise. In World War Two it was used as a convalescent home for injured US servicemen and became Warwickshire Police Head Quarters in 1949. Essential building conservation work was required to the Grade II listed building to repair and maintain its longevity.
Cliveden Conservation was contracted in 2024 by The Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire as the Main Contractor to undertake the scope of works in collaboration with DSA Consultants (Project Manager), Rapleys (Heritage Surveys), and Ark H&S Consultants (Principal Designer and CDM Advisor).
Conservation Work
Sympathetic repairs were undertaken to the stonework including localised indents and full stone replacements, in keeping with the original construction methods.
Over 450 stones have been replaced, using Hollington White stone, focusing on those with significant decay, risk of failure, water ingress or structural integrity issues. An approved lime mortar mix was used to match the original.
Wider repair works included roofing; tiles and leadworks, skylights and windows, internal plaster and redecoration to areas of the building affected by water ingress.
A partial rebuild of the prominent chimneys (which had suffered from degradation over a number of years due to a lack of high-level access) has been completed, ensuring they will remain structurally sound for many more decades.
Any areas around the chimneys and dormer windows that had failed saw new lead flashing installed to ensure the building remains watertight, and drainage repairs were also completed.
Results
The building conservation and maintenance work undertaken by Cliveden Conservation has helped weatherproof and protect the future of Woodcote House as well as improved its appearance, ensuring it continues to stand proudly within the 61-acre estate for years to come.
Project details
Client:
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire
Specialist Main Contractor:
Cliveden Conservation
Category:
Stonework
What we did
Condition of the finials before work was carried out.
Condition of the roof and rainwater goods before restoration work was carried out.
Condition of the copings before restoration work was carried out.
Woodcote House East Entrance restored.
South view of Woodcote House after restoration work was carried out.
