NEWBY Hall’s Grade I listed 18th century Orangery has been formally reopened following a £500,000 restoration programme.

Part funded by a grant of £90,000 from the Country Houses Foundation, an extensive reclamation programme started on the 18th century building in 2014.

The work included reinstatement of the building’s original floor to ceiling windows as well as the renovation of the Victorian wooden solid beamed roof, cleverly redesigned and supported to enable removal of three central pillars, and installation of under floor heating. Phase two of the project, a sympathetically designed glazed and covered entrance hall and kitchen, completes the building which is now available for celebrations and licenced for wedding ceremonies.

A VIP reception held on Wednesday, May 16, to celebrate the reopening was attended by representatives from the charitable foundation as well as civic dignitaries and local businesses.

Newby Hall is one of the UK’s finest Adam houses. Built in the 1690s by Sir Christopher Wren, it was subsequently enlarged by John Carr and Robert Adam.

It remains in private ownership and is the family home of Richard and Lucinda Compton.

The Orangery itself was commissioned by William Weddell and dates from 1770.

Mrs Compton said: “Orangeries were a symbol of prestige and wealth and ours would have been a commanding feature within the award-winning gardens. Owners would offer guests tours of the garden to admire not only the fruits grown in the orangery but also its architectural design.

“In common with other orangeries, ours is south facing to take advantage of the maximum possible North Yorkshire light.

"After restoration of the fabric of the building, the Orangery once again features floor to ceiling windows to optimise sunlight and now offers the comfort of underfloor heating too making it perfect for celebrations year-round.”