Architect's plans for the manor reborn

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a £275,000 development grant so that proposals for remodelling a historic manor house in west London can be worked up.

Ealing Council has commissioned a team including Jestico + Whiles and conservation specialists Julian Harrap Architects to come up with proposals for for the Sir John Soane-designed Pitzhanger Manor House, in the heart of the borough.

Pitzhanger was first built in 1768 by Sir John’s former employer, George Dance the Younger. Soane purchased the 28-acre estate in 1800 and set about
redesigning the Manor House and surrounding grounds - now Ealing’s Walpole Park.

The initial funding is expected to lead to a full grant of £3.6m for works that will include the restoration of the Grade I listed building’s original features.

Jestico + Whiles director Heinz Richardson commented said the team had been waiting for three years to go forward with the scheme.

“We have put together a team to restore the best of Soane’s work whilst introducing contemporary design into the refurbished gallery and new café,” he said.

“The combination of repair and improvement will secure Pitzhanger’s future as an important heritage asset and cultural venue for west London.”

Other team members for the project are: Ralph Appelbaum Associates, landscape architect J & L Gibbons, and Sarah Couch Historic Landscapes.