Client: The National Trust, Wessex Regional Office, Eastleigh Court, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 9HW.
Tyntesfield mansion is the centrepiece of the 536 acre Tyntesfield Estate, six miles southwest of Bristol.
The centre, which will be used for learning, community and business events, was originally built in 1889 and used to be the powerhouse of the estate – home to steam engines and batteries which provided electricity for the house – before becoming a sawmill.
When the National Trust bought Tyntesfield, this building was derelict, but a major cash boost by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) means that it now boasts all its original industrial features, including wall stencils, glazed tiles and machinery, but also has all the latest mod cons to make it an appealing venue for anyone needing such a space.
Tyntesfield’s programme director, Helen Bonser-Wilton, said:
“The completion of the sawmill project marks a major step in the transformation of Tyntesfield.
“It is invaluable to our work with schools and will enable us to expand the opportunities for learning and training for so many people. It’s really going to be the hub of activity on the estate and it’s great to see it coming back to life.”
Completed 2009