Devastated by a huge fire in 2005, Stoke Rochford Hall has recently re-opened its doors to the public following an extensive three-year restoration project, bringing the Hall back to its former Grade 1 Listed glory.
The fire broke out in the roof on the morning of 25 January 2005. It took three days and 20 fire crews to bring the blaze under control. Roofs and floors collapsed throughout the main part of the mansion. All the public rooms, most of the conference rooms, part of the conservatory and the library were destroyed. Smoke and water caused further damage although, thankfully, the north wing was largely spared. Despite forensic investigations, the cause of the blaze remains a mystery.
The first challenge was trying to assess the colossal scope of the restoration. “We’d never imagined we’d have to face anything like it. It was pretty traumatic,” says Peter Robinson, Stoke Rochford’s Director.
William Burn designed the mansion for the Turnor family in the 1840s. After the fire, English Heritage and planning officers insisted that the grade 1 listed building be restored to its original glory. The restoration has continually posed what Peter calls “a dilemma between trying to preserve the heritage and meeting modern-day standards”.
The expert craftspeople that put Stoke Rochford back together have done a spectacular job. “The way the panelling has been redone and the ceilings recreated, they’re absolutely magnificent, “says Peter. “The stonework and chimneys are tremendous and the library looks fantastic.”
Peter and his team have taken advantage of the £12 million restoration to bring improved facilities and greater comfort to Stoke Rochford. The conference rooms are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology and 15 beautiful new en-suite bedrooms have been created in addition to the existing 76 bedroom suites.
Amazingly, Stoke Rochford reopened for business just eight months after the fire, with the north wing and outbuildings adapted to host meetings and conferences, and a large marquee and terrace added to accommodate functions. Having struggled through the past three years, Peter is delighted that the “shroud” of polythene and scaffolding has been removed from the house, and it’s back to business as usual.
Those who have visited on previous occasions will recall the wonderful oak panelled rooms with grand ornate ceilings, all of which have been restored and reinstated in their original style. These include the Grand Hall, Oak Room, Rochford Room, Turnor Room and Library with its adjoining Orangery leading onto spectacular terraces. These rooms all make unique venues whether for a conference, meeting, wedding ceremony and breakfast or function.
As well as these signature areas of the building, the Hall has more than 20 other meeting venues, which vary in size from the largest seating 300 to more modest sizes for smaller seminars. The facilities are complemented with comfortable ensuite accommodation, dining and bar areas and a leisure club.
For information regarding facilities and services or forthcoming events at the Hall please call 01476 530337, email enquiries@stokerochfordhall.co.uk or visit www.stokerochfordhall.co.uk.