A CENTURIES-old stately home is getting £1.2m worth of improvements to its grounds to better welcome visitors.

Kiplin Hall is a nearly 400-year-old Grade I listed building and grounds located between Northallerton and Richmond.

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It has been welcoming visitors to its museum and gardens for nearly 20 years and to better accommodate growing audiences, the charity behind the hall plans to build a new welcome block and improve car parking.

Another project is also underway bringing to enhance the gardens.

The new welcome block will include facilities for a new cafe, terrace seating with views across the lake, an exhibition space, and accessible toilets.

It is expected to cost in the region of £1.2m and will be paid for by a combination of funding streams, including generous bequests.

Kiplin Hall and Gardens is an independent charity that relies on ticket sales for income and will be seeking more funding for this project in the coming months.

After a comprehensive selection process, Leeds-based Bauman Lyons Architects Ltd have been appointed as the project architects.

Director of Kiplin Hall and Gardens, James Etherington, describes what the project means.

He said: “Kiplin Hall and Gardens is known and loved for its warm welcome and tranquil setting.

"As the visitor attraction grows in popularity we are keen to retain this reputation and experience for visitors, while welcoming more people to share in the adventures and everyday lives undertaken by the people who lived and worked here.

"A new welcome block will make access to all that Kiplin has to offer easier for everyone.

"It will also free up more space in museum for historic displays.”

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Chair of Trustees, Lindsay Osario added: “In the light of the covid pandemic we are also working hard to develop opportunities for visitors to explore the history of the house from our invaluable outdoor spaces.

"Some of these creative and exciting new gardens will be opening in 2022, while the building project will take a couple of years to complete.

"As Kiplin Hall approaches it’s 400th anniversary celebration in 2025 we will be in a position to celebrate the achievements of the past and look forward to the future.”

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