Dangerous roof removed from fire-hit mansion
DANGEROUS fire-damaged metal sheeting has been removed from a much-loved historic Devon building due to safety concerns. It is now almost three months since Poltimore House near Exeter became engulfed in flames after being targeted by suspected arsonists.
The devastating blaze in the early hours of April 9, set back two decades of restoration work. However, the strong, solid walls of the Grade II-listed house survived.
It prompted Poltimore House Trust, a charity which was established in 2000 to preserve the historic building and its estate, to launch a Crowdfunder campaign to help the house rise from the ashes once again. Thanks to generous public support with more than £13,000 raised so far, the first stage of removing the damaged metal roof over the house has now been completed.
Work was urgently needed to protect the remaining structure of the house and to ensure the grounds, cafe and farm shop could remain open to the public. The next steps will be removing scaffolding and clearing inside the house.
Deputy chair of Poltimore House Trust, David Snell, has been overseeing the operation and is optimistic that a recovery plan can be put in place.
He said: “Removing the metal sheeting is an important first step because it could have become dislodged in high winds, causing further damage to the house and requiring us to close the site. Public safety is always our first concern.
“However, this is only the first step, and substantial funds will be required to remove the remainder of the scaffolding and to clear the interior of the house. Only then can we start again on the restoration.”
Over the past couple of years, Polt
Despite the damage caused by the fire we’re as determined as ever to see the house restored DR PETER TOTTERDILL
imore House and grounds have become a hub for the local community and visitors alike, with a farm shop, thriving cafe and events programme, all supported by dedicated volunteers. Branches Cafe, the farm shop and grounds reopened just three weeks after the fire and continue to attract growing numbers of people.
Dr Peter Totterdill, chair of the Poltimore House Trust, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the public’s generosity in the wake of the fire and have received so many lovely messages from people across Devon and far beyond. We’re delighted that the first phase of the fundraising campaign raised over £13,000, including GiftAid, but there is still a long way to go.”
He added: “Despite the damage caused by the fire we’re as determined as ever to see the house restored. It’s a remarkable place, one that really matters to people, and it has a bright future ahead of it. But we need everyone’s help, now more than ever.”
The trust has ambitious plans for restoring the 16th to 19th century mansion as a focal point for local communities including the arts, businesses, education and wellbeing.
To make a donation and help the Trust continue the restoration of Poltimore House, visit https:// www.crowdfunder.co.uk/