In its Heritage at Risk Register 2023, Historic England announced that The Camellia House at Wentworth Woodhouse has been successfully saved and removed from the list. Safer Sphere is proud to have played a part in this accomplishment by providing Principal Designer support and Client CDM Assurance to Donald Insall Architects and Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust. 

The Camellia House is a Grade II* listed conservatory situated in the Gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham. It was initially built as a tea house in 1738 for Lady Rockingham, wife of the 1st Marquess, to entertain and impress her guests. By the time the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust took over in 2017, the building had become derelict and roofless. 

Despite its condition, the Camellia House was found to contain camellias dating back to the early 1800s, making them some of the oldest in the Western world. To protect these historic plants, a year-long project was funded by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund last summer. The project involved repairing and transforming the Camellia House into a global tea house, officially opening in spring 2024. 

We’re thrilled to be part of this project and look forward to visiting for a cup of tea once it opens.