Killerton celebrates completion of roof conservation thanks to public support

It has been a year since Killerton, a much-loved National Trust gem near Exeter, saw scaffolding go up for major TLC to the roof and building. After astounding public support, the successful conservation project has finished.

Over ten months, the roof scape has been transformed. The worst affected roofs have been replaced, removing an unsightly temporary roof and old ventilation units. Urgent repairs and restoration to the stonework, parapets and roof lanterns is complete. A grant from Viridor Credits enabled the reintroduction of seven historic chimneys, with wood burners utilising Killerton logs. The building has benefitted from a fresh lick of paint and is more sustainable with new ventilation methods, improved insulation and restored windows.

Phillip Smart, General Manager “We’re delighted to have a watertight house after a decade of leaks and we’ve waved goodbye to the buckets that used to catch the drips inside the house. Thanks to our many supporters, we were able to surpass our original £100k fundraising target, allowing us to invest additional funds directly into this urgent conservation project. It’s been a great team effort; I’d like to extend a big thank you to everybody for supporting us along the way”.

Phillip continued: “We were able to start the roof project thanks to a generous legacy from Mr Laurie Marshall who volunteered with us for over 20 years. As a conservation charity, we rely on donations and legacies alongside memberships and visitor income to care for Killerton”.

Now the roof is watertight and the house has a much improved interior environment, Killerton is launching a fundraising appeal to protect the treasures within. Items include irreplaceable musical instruments, portraits and pieces from our fashion collection. The important collections include a precious Reynolds portrait, an 1807 William Gray organ, four Queen Victoria bodices and a Charles Bayer corset. At over 20,000 pieces, Killerton holds the Trust’s largest historic fashion collection, including Acland family pieces.

Bryony Wilde, Project Officer said: “This year we’re fundraising for some of our most important treasures and they are central to the house experience, helping us bring history and Acland family stories to life. Fundraising is incredibly important to help us care for this amazing place for ever, for everyone. Please look out for opportunities to donate when you visit the brand new Votes for Women exhibition!”.

The Acland family left the estate to the Trust in 1944 for everyone’s enjoyment. This year marks Killerton’s 40th anniversary of being open to the public. Caring for the estate, which includes 6,400 acres of land, 250 cottages and 18 farms, is an ongoing commitment.