Martin Ashley Architects designed proposals for a far-reaching scheme of repair, restoration, improvement and extension of this late 18th Century Grade II listed house, built as a Gothic folly in ‘picturesque’ style standing within an historic landscape setting, all for an HLF bid.  The house and grounds are operated by a charitable trust and much used by the public. The rounds 1 and 2 HLF bids were successful and MAA undertook the further design development and implementation works to completion on behalf of Canterbury City Council. The works included a new traditionally designed and specified glazed ‘Orangery’ garden room as an additional large space for accommodating events and for use as additional cafeteria accommodation. The new Orangery replaces an unsightly 20thC extension and using traditional aesthetic and local facing materials of flint and stone stands well in an elevated position adjoining the house. Additionally the insertion of a new lift provided inclusive access to upper floors, and a new roof-viewing terrace was provided with dramatic views over Whitstable. Externally stonework, flint facings, and render were repaired, and flat and pitched roofs were replaced in lead and slate. Within the building all electrical and mechanical services were replaced, and rooms were reordered and decoratively re-presented to improved effect. The external hard landscape terrace to the new Orangery and all of the associated external works were carried out in conjunction with the clients landscaping improvements to the entire site.