Donald Insall Associates found this Grade II* country house in a dilapidated and moribund state, but with energetic and ambitious new owners. After a thorough analysis of the building’s history, DIA developed a strategy of careful conservation of the 16th century building, significant remodelling of a much altered 19th century phase of work, and the construction of a bold new glazed addition containing a swimming pool. The house’s roofs were stripped of their coverings and sensitive structural repairs were carried out to the early Elizabethan truss blades within. Conservative repair was carried out to the Elizabethan stone fabric with its Renaissance moulded details, to retain as much of the historic fabric as possible. The 236 Victorian timber casements were repaired as witnesses to this period of the building’s history; and the collapsing dormers and gables were repaired in situ according to SPAB principles. Inside Victorian plaster ceilings, whose supporting joists had been ravaged by dry rot, were restored to their former glory. The glazing of the new addition allows sight of the 19th century rear elevation of the house and tower, repaired using lime-based materials. DIA provided full architectural services for the £9.5 million repair and new-build contract, together with interior design and project management services for a wider project, which was completed in September 2010.