Cobham Park and Dairy

Restoration of a Gothic-style dairy and wider estate

Introduction

Cobham Dairy is a rare and picturesque example of a late 18th century Gothic-style dairy, designed by James Wyatt within the landscaped grounds of Cobham Park. Part of a wider estate revitalisation effort led by Purcell, this Grade II*-listed building had suffered from over a century of neglect, vandalism, and fire damage.

Working closely with client the Landmark Trust, Purcell undertook a full programme of conservation-led design and project management. The team carried out in-depth historical research, condition surveys, and produced a Conservation Management Plan to guide careful intervention.

The transformation of the dairy into a one-bedroom holiday let involved restoring its striking stained-glass clerestory windows, recreating hand-painted slate wall cladding, and conserving its fine plasterwork interiors. Sensitive additions such as a new kitchen, bathroom, and heating systems were designed to be reversible and respectful of the original architecture.

This transformative restoration was showcased on More4’s documentary, ‘£1 Million Restoration: Historic House Rescue.’

This project forms part of a broader strategy for Cobham Park, where Purcell is working to safeguard and enhance a range of listed buildings and landscape features across the historic estate. Our work balances sensitive heritage conservation with creative reuse, securing the long-term future of the estate through sustainable development.