Built around 1603, Gainford Hall has been removed from the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register following restoration works by Raby Estates
The Grade one listed Gainford Hall is a Jacobean mansion built around 1603 for John Cradock, the Vicar of Gainford.
Built during the last years of Elizabeth I’s reign, Gainford Hall had retained many of its original features, including a full-height porch, split-level interior, original fireplaces, central chimney stack and plasterwork.
Its layout, just two rooms deep, was considered cutting-edge for its day and is possibly the earliest house of its kind in northern England.
The Gainford Hall restoration is part of Raby Estates’ redevelopment plans
The extensive works included the installation of steel ties to the main walls and roof timbers, re-roofing, rebuilding and repairing the chimneys, the complete repointing of external walls and installing new lead windows.
The interior of the Hall is also being restored and refurbished, maintaining its original features, whilst bringing Gainford Hall into the 21st century.
The successful renovation is the first project in The Rising Raby Estate’s five-year redevelopment plan to restore multiple historic buildings for local community benefit.
The project was overseen by Raby buildings manager Phillip Dent, as well as maintenance manager Michael Bennett, with consultation from historical building architects Donald Insall.
Where possible, local contractors have been employed to undertake the crucial work.
Delivering social value through renovation and job creation
Raby Estate’s CEO, Duncan Peake, said of the news: “We are extremely pleased to see that Gainford Hall has now been removed from the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register. Our primary aim was to restore this extremely important building to its former glory, preserving it for future generations.
“Our project was the first in a series of significant improvements across the Estate, which are helping stimulate local economic regeneration and create jobs, as well as securing the future of some of County Durham’s most iconic properties.”
The restoration of Gainford Hall was funded by the release of land owned by Raby Estate to build high-quality residential housing in Gainford and Staindrop, contributing to the county’s housing requirements.
A dovecote on the estate was also successfully refurbished to a high standard
A dovecote, which sits within the boundary of the Hall, has also been fully renovated during the works, ensuring its removal from the Heritage at Risk Register as well. 
“We are extremely pleased with this outcome”, says Philip Dent. “Gainford Hall and the dovecote are important local buildings from a bygone age that now have their place in the modern world. We look forward to welcoming the new tenants once interior works are completed early next year.”
Gainford Hall, a residential property, is now being marketed for tenancy by Savills, including several modernised outbuildings and adjacent land. The restoration is due to be completed by February 2023.
