Wentworth Woodhouse’s Georgian teahouse has been splendidly restored, securing the survival of its ancient camellias.
The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust faced a scene of shattered glass and towering camellias, with tree-like trunks, upon acquiring the South Yorkshire property in 2017. These camellias, once as prized as van Dyck’s paintings, were housed in the dilapidated Camellia House, a Grade II*-listed structure on the Heritage at Risk Register. Last week, it was triumphantly reopened after restoration.
The former teahouse was in a state of disrepair before its restoration.
The teahouse, erected in 1738 for the then Marquess of Rockingham to host visitors, was transformed into the Camellia House in 1812 by the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam, a plant enthusiast. Throughout the 19th century, the building sheltered about 30 camellias, as costly as the annual pay of a housemaid. Noteworthy is a marriage proposal made there to Lady Donatia Fitzwilliam. With the family’s departure in the 1980s, the estate, including the main house, was neglected.
Scott Jamieson, head gardener, realized five years ago that many of the 19 remaining camellias were from the early 1800s, making them some of the oldest in the western hemisphere. A £5 million renovation followed, with £4 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other contributions from various trusts and organizations.

Inside the revitalized Camellia House at Wentworth Woodhouse.
The restoration, an award-winning project, introduced carbon-neutral heating and a rainwater irrigation system. Mr. Jamieson talks about the challenges in caring for the resilient yet now sheltered camellias – keeping an eye on pests and diseases to establish long-term maintenance plans.
Wentworth Woodhouse’s camellias rank among the oldest in the West.
Five of the mature camellias have been dated between 1806 and 1822, including a ‘Pompone’ from around 1810 and a ‘Rubra’ from 1819, one of the earliest varieties in China and Japan. Efforts are underway to identify six more of the current 18 varieties, a cooperative effort with the International Camellia Society to match early plant catalogues.
Tea and flowers are once again a feature at Wentworth Woodhouse.
Although one ‘Camellia Incarnata’ sold in 1806 perished before restoration, cuttings were propagated at Chiswick House in London to form a ‘plant bank,’ ensuring the collection’s survival. These young plants, along with new cuttings, prepare for any potential loss of the historic specimens.
Starting April 2, the Camellia House will serve tea and host events, as restoration work continues throughout the estate. For further information, visit wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk.