Camellia House’s revival blooms with award

A South Yorkshire heritage trust has received European recognition for breathing new life into a long-derelict historic building.

Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust has received a European Heritage Award for its £5 million restoration of Wentworth Woodhouse’s Grade II-listed Camellia House, in Rotherham. 

The project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and other contributors, was one of just 30 winners across the continent, and the only UK winner in this year’s programme.

The 18th century building, once a tearoom for Lady Rockingham, wife of Thomas Watson-Wentworth, 1st Marquess of Rockingham and home to some of the world’s oldest camellias, had stood roofless for 50 years before its transformation into a public venue in 2024. 

Sarah McLeod OBE, chief executive at the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, which bought Wentworth House in 2017 when the site was in a state of decay, said: “We are bursting with pride to be heading to Brussels to receive this highly respected European heritage award. 

“An exceptional conservation team collaborated to take our Camellia House from a roofless wreck in danger of collapsing, back to its original grace and beauty – and vastly improved its sustainability and green credentials.

“The building, and the historically important camellias which inhabit it, now have a long and lasting future. 

“The Camellia House is now a thriving cafe and boosting income for the Trust.”

The restored Camellia House

Heritage architects Donald Insall Associates led the work, which combined traditional restoration techniques with low-carbon upgrades.

Dorian Proudfoot, chief executive of Donald Insall Associates, added: “Conservation is only successful if it enables a building or place's continued use and vitality. 

“The story of Camellia House, an important part of a wider transformation at Wentworth Woodhouse, is an example of long-term custodianship that not only revived what was an abandoned ruin but was also a catalyst for lasting social impact.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see our client's vision to create an inclusive, world-class destination being recognised in Europe's most prestigious heritage award.”

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