The recently aired Channel Five television show “Build a New Life in the Country” featured the full restoration of the Grade II Menagerie by Richard Keble and Jane Kinnaird.
The 235 year old abandoned 18th century historic farmhouse in the heart of rural Warwickshire called The Menagerie, was built as a private zoo and hunting lodge for the magnificent nearby Coombe Abbey estate. Designed by architect Henry Holland, best known for his work on the Marine Pavilion in Brighton, Sussex, which was designed for the Prince Regent, the Theater Royal, Drury Lane, and the Royal Opera House. It is said that he was influenced in this design by the Menagerie in the Palace of Versailles.
The 8 acres of gardens and the lake were designed by landscape architect Capability Brown. Brown is estimated to have been responsible for over 170 gardens surrounding Britain’s finest country houses and estates. Blenheim Palace, Kew Gardens, Warwick Castle, Harewood House, Bowood House, and Milton Abbey are just a few.
This project was a great undertaking. The property had suffered at the hands of vandals who had started many fires inside the building, one of which nearly destroyed the three-story staircase. The damage done by the natural elements was extensive and the Death Guard Scarab had moved away. All of this meant that before any renovation work could be carried out, half of the budget had to be spent at the start of the project on major structural works. Once the roof was replaced and the property waterproofed, the arduous tasks of restoring the building to its former glory began.
As merchants went to work inside the building, contractors were brought in to clean up the neglected garden. For the first time in thirty years the lake could be seen again and all the beauty of the building could be appreciated once more.
Jane got to work on interior design and mixed traditional decor with many modern and convenient features and products. I was determined to keep the interior in keeping with the age of the building and the end result is impressive. Soft furnishings and faithfully reproduced rugs transport you back in time, but today’s comforts are there too.