Despite the weather progress with the redevelopment of Launde is going on at a pace. The new Dining Rooms, Kitchen and Courtyard Room have been delayed by the snow but are due for completion by the end of May in time for the Spring Bank Holiday Flower Festival Open Days. Meanwhile the work in the Main House is on time for completion by the end of November this year.
The work in the Main House includes installing new wiring and plumbing. The new heating system will be powered by a wood chip boiler cutting the Abbey’s CO2 footprint by 95%. The bedrooms are to be made en-suite and disabled access is to be created throughout the ground floor with a lift to the first floor. The offices are being made more accessible and a reception area for guests created.
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| A new doorway creating an entrance from what will be the en-suite bathroom |
This visionary plan has been developed over the last 5 years under the leadership of the Warden, the Revd Tim Blewett who said, “It is fantastic to see the House being redeveloped so that more guests in the future can benefit. Launde is such a special place which is open to all allowing many people to have their lives transformed. This vision has been made possible by the huge generosity of many individuals and charitable trusts to whom we are most grateful.”
The work to the Main House has already uncovered a number of original features that had become hidden over the years. It is also now possible to see some of the construction techniques used to create this wonderful building.
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| The removal of hot water cylinders has uncovered the panelled family toilet built during work carried out by Thomas Rickman in 1829–1839 |
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| Stonework uncovered around one of the windows at the front of the house. The window appears to act as a façade abutting what may be an older stone wall |
East Midland’s BBC TV came to Launde on the 17 February ahead of the Snowdrop Spectacular weekend to film the gardens. BBC East Midlands have followed the story of the redevelopment of the Abbey over the last year.
If you would still like to donate to the redevelopment of
the Abbey you can do that either through the Save Launde
campaign or the general fundraising campaign which has
turned its attention to purchasing new furniture where
necessary for the Main House.
For further information contact
the
.