Architects and historic building consultants, Purcell Miller Tritton, will join the BBC Cricketing legend Henry Blofeld at the official unveiling of the fully restored early 19th Century glasshouse at Hoveton Hall, Norfolk. The authentic Grade II* listed cast-iron structure is one of the earliest examples of its kind and had been sitting derelict on the edge of the scenic Norfolk Broads.  

The current owners of the house, the Buxton Family, called in Purcell Miller Tritton to consult with English Heritage and the Country Houses Foundation to create a design that best restores the original grandeur of the glasshouse. The works, which started just over a year ago, included; replacing the original scalloped glazing, repairing the existing cast-iron frame and incorporating full accessibility for disabled visitors, which was an important aspect for the owners of Hoveton Hall.  Opening the gardens and glasshouse to the public this year is Cricket guru and BBC commentator Henry Blofeld, who himself has an interest in historic architecture in Norfolk.

 Archaeological investigations and historic research undertaken as part of the project suggest the structure was completed in the 1820’s.  The building stands as the only nineteenth century glasshouse of such a style and is rumoured to have been originally designed by John Adey Repton, the famed architect of the 1800’s. Paul Kings, Purcell Miller Tritton’s Project Architect commented. “The fact that it has possible links with the Reptons is exciting and to renovate a structure of this period and style will give future visitors to Hoveton Hall the chance to appreciate a glasshouse of this age in its former glory.”

 Costing just over £190 000, much of the funds were contributed by English Heritage and the County Houses Foundation, which shows the significance of this period glasshouse to the area. The project was completed in April 2010 with local contractors, Fisher Bullen of Fakenham, acting as main contractor and Dorothea Restorations Ltd undertaking the cast iron frame restoration.