The Renovation
Stanwick Hall didn’t always boast its current splendour; in fact, it faced a fierce battle for survival. Years of neglect had taken a severe toll, leaving fungus thriving on damp walls, broken roof tiles, and timbers so rotten that a strong storm could have brought the entire structure down. The situation was so dire that Stanwick Hall was placed on the ‘Buildings at Risk Register,’ marking it as one of the most endangered structures in the country. The Hall was in an appalling state, with large cracks and gaping holes in the walls, and a roof that not only leaked but sagged dangerously.
This roof, however, is no ordinary one. It’s covered with Collywestern limestone tiles, named after the local village of Collywestern in Northamptonshire. When Stanwick was built, this material was commonly used, but it’s no longer quarried and the only remaining source is reclaimed salvage. These tiles are particularly challenging to work with due to their irregular shapes and sizes. To restore the roof, the heavy stone tiles had to be removed, the rotting timbers repaired and the collapsing walls reinforced to support the weight of the new stone tiles.
The deterioration of Stanwick Hall might have continued unchecked, eventually leading to its collapse, if not for the day Simon and Gina Russell first arrived in search of a home. Simon recalls, “I remember the first time I drove up the driveway, it was almost surreal. The shape of the house, its chocolate-box look, made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up—it was love at first sight. The moment I remember most was when we walked around the garden, reached the gate and looked back at the house with the sun reflecting off the stone—it was like a sledgehammer blow of ‘wow, that’s going to be our home.'”
The Russells purchased the property in 2007 for just over a million pounds, with plans to invest another half a million in transforming it into a beautifully finished family home. The vision was ambitious: seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms, plus extras like a gym, swimming pool and wine cellar.
One of the house’s unique features is the “Harry Potter” front door. From a distance, it appears to be a standard front door, but when you stand next to it, you realise it’s actually enormous—adding a whimsical touch to the grand entrance.
Stanwick Hall is a historically significant Grade II listed building, meaning that every renovation plan required approval from heritage authorities—a process that took two years.
The original house included an unsightly Victorian extension, which was demolished and replaced with a new extension that better suited the Hall’s grandeur. The new addition features a stunning, light-filled kitchen. However, building the kitchen posed challenges, particularly in sourcing stone that matched the Hall’s exterior. Because of the Hall’s listed status, every decision had to be negotiated with planning officials. Although one type of stone was initially approved, the planning officer insisted it be sourced from a local quarry, adding to the complexity. After considerable delay, a skilled builder finally sourced stone that satisfied both the planning officer and the owners in terms of colour and cost.
Beyond the roof and timber repairs, structural reinforcements, and the replacement extension, extensive work was done to the cellars. They were excavated by hand, a monumental task, the floors were re-laid and the walls cleaned. Every window frame in the house was replaced and a back door was reinstated where one had previously existed. The entire house underwent plastering, painting, wall papering, carpeting, and electrical and plumbing renovations. One particularly rewarding restoration was the grand oak-panelled room on the first floor, which had been hidden under layers of white gloss paint. Once uncovered, the original panelling, believed to predate the house, was restored to its former glory, now gracing the guest room.
Among the many remarkable discoveries during the restoration, one stood out that confirmed a long-standing local legend: the tunnel. Ever since the Russells had purchased the house, locals had spoken of a mysterious tunnel, but despite numerous efforts, it had eluded discovery—until one winter evening when the builders knocked on the door with exciting news: “We found a tunnel.” Initially, the Russells were thrilled by the discovery, as local lore suggested a passageway once connected the Hall to the church in the village, though no one had ever been certain.
The tunnel, crafted from local limestone and shaped in a superb arch, extends about 20 to 25 metres before appearing to be blocked at the far end. Although it is partially filled in, the tunnel’s construction—likely dating back to the 18th century and contemporary with the house—is an impressive feat of engineering for its time. Interestingly, there are signs of later activity, such as ceramic pipes from the late 19th or early 20th century, indicating that someone explored the tunnel not too long ago. Despite the initial excitement, the Russells soon realised the tunnel’s true purpose: it was likely built as a drain to channel excess water from a well located in the cellar. Though a drain, it remains a fascinating and beautifully constructed piece of history.
The final phase of renovations focused on the top floor, designed as a space for the couple’s four children to play and sleep, offering them their own sanctuary within the Hall.
In 2009, during its feature on the BBC’s Restoration Home series—which can be viewed here on Amazon Prime; architectural expert Kieran Long highlighted the architectural qualities of Stanwick Hall, such as the dress stones on the building’s corners and an elegant Georgian window reminiscent of a grand country house. Kieran also discovered evidence of a devastating fire that once ravaged the Hall, including the reddish discolouration of the limestone. Remarkably, no lives were lost in the 1931 fire, but the original Georgian staircase was destroyed. When the Russells moved in, they found the staircase had been replaced with a poor-quality one, likely after the fire. One of their first major projects was to commission a handcrafted oak staircase that would be more fitting for the Georgian style of the Hall, at a staggering cost of £40,000.
Even after what became a million-pound renovation, Stanwick Hall has not lost its magic for the Russells. They take immense pride in knowing that, without their intervention, Stanwick Hall might have crumbled into ruins. Instead, they have preserved its beauty and history for future generations to enjoy. We hope you’ve found the story of Stanwick Hall’s renovation as fascinating as we do and that you’ll come and stay at the Hall to experience its magic and beautiful surroundings for yourself.
