The Stover Gatehouse, also known as the granite lodge, was established in 1833 by Edward Adolphus Seymour, the 11th Duke of Somerset, as the new main entrance to the estate. The building is found at the end of a mile and a half long carriage drive leading to the main house. Seymour used Stover as his primary home in the county, and the estate stayed in his family until 1927 after his grandson, the 12th Duke of Somerset’s grandson, passed away.
Over time, the Gatehouse deteriorated and was listed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register in 2017. This was due to water damage, the breakdown of masonry, and vandalism. In 1990, its original doors and windows were removed and sealed. Some urgent repairs took place in 2016/17, including the addition of metal security doors.
A current initiative aims to restore the building to its original splendour and secure its future. The venture is supported by funds from National Highways and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Savills will work with Devon County Council to execute the restoration, including drafting work specifications, conducting surveys, fulfilling planning conditions before commencement, managing the bidding process, and overseeing the project.
Adam Williams, a Chartered Building Surveyor at Savills Exeter with a specialty in heritage assets, is co-leading the project. He expresses excitement over working with Devon County Council on this project, noting Stover Gatehouse’s significance as an exceptional example of Georgian architecture that provides insight into the estate’s past and the development of the surrounding landscape.
Williams explains that their efforts will not only remove the Gatehouse from the ‘Heritage at Risk’ list but will also allow the community to connect with Stover Country Park’s history. He emphasizes that for many who regularly pass by on the Devon Expressway, the Gatehouse is a familiar sight and an element of historical significance.
Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, expresses her approval of Savills undertaking this task. She reveals that preserving the gatehouse is a critical aspect of the Restoring Stover Park Project and that it deserves revitalization. Davis anticipates public enthusiasm for the restoration of this landmark.
Savills has commenced work on the project, with plans to start the restoration in July and aim for completion by the end of September 2024.
Regarding the project’s challenges, Williams mentions the logistical difficulties due to the building’s location, necessitating access through the park on narrow paths for safety reasons instead of directly from the A38. Nonetheless, the Stover team has been cooperative in establishing travel routes and schedules to enable progress.
Ian Ellis, National Highways’ South West Programme Delivery Manager, explains that their work extends beyond traditional road services to include investments in the environment and communities around their network. He’s pleased with the collaboration with Devon County Council, the Stover Country Park team, and Savills in enhancing the site. Moreover, National Highways has also contributed to improving water quality in the park and planting trees.
The Stover Gatehouse’s refurbishment is part of a broader restoration effort at Stover Country Park, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to benefit the people, wildlife, and heritage in the area.
For more details on the Restoring Stover Project, click here.
