Once near-derelict, the North Wing of Combermere Abbey has been rejuvenated in an innovative collaboration between its owners and interior designer Nina Campbell.
Taking on an historic estate is always going to be a challenge, but for Sarah Callander Beckett that is something of an understatement. Not only does Comber mere Abbey in Cheshire date back to 1133, when it was founded as a Cistercian monastery, but the intervening 900 years saw a number of remodellings, most conspicuously during the 1820s when the Tudor black-and-white manor was given a Gothic veneer. The 20th century was not kind to the Abbey and neglect meant parts of the house were demolished or closed up. In 1990, when Sarah inherited the property, she set about reviving its fortunes through various enterprises, including a weddings and corporate hospitality business, which has enabled her to restore all of the listed buildings. The final one was the decrepit North Wing, which became habitable again in 2016 after 24 months of work by Sarah and her husband Peter Beckett, and interior designer Nina Campbell. Here, Sarah and Nina tell us more.
What challenges did you face during the restoration?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2017-Ausgabe von Homes & Gardens.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2017-Ausgabe von Homes & Gardens.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
A love letter to...
Nina Campbell explains why New England's Maine exerts a permanent pull on her heartstrings
A great escape
The iconic Gleneagles hotel marks its 100th anniversary this year
A PIECE OF PARADISE
This classic English garden in the Sussex countryside was a true labour of love, resulting in a place where there are stunning spaces - and vistas - at every turn
NATURAL ATTRACTION
A garden that invites wildlife in is rich in so many ways, as these diverse spaces illustrate
WILD PROSPECTS
Lulu Urquhart of Urquhart & Hunt takes a deep dive into the importance of our waterways as well as the work of nature's eco-engineer: the beaver
LIFE IN COLOUR
Around 30 years old, this country home used to be described as a white box - now it's a joyful place with fresh hues and uplifting pattern.
CALMING INFLUENCE
With its peaceful palette and carefully curated collection of antiques and modernist pieces, this handsome farmhouse is a balm for the soul
THE JOY OF...A rural idyll
This month, our columnist Joy Moyler extols the virtues of living - and working - in the countryside
Gather round
Dining spaces these days have many functions, but it is still important to make them beautiful for when they are playing host
Floral arrangement
Interior designer Sarah Vanrenen shares her wisdom on using floral fabrics and wallpapers