Issue 38 Summer web 23 - Flipbook - Page 64
Reviving the spirit of
Stapehill Abbey: A journey
of restoration and renewal
Stapehill Abbey in Wimborne, Dorset has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century.
As part of the recent restoration of its Grade II listed buildings, Brett Martin's Cascade cast iron
effect rainwater system was specified in the upgrading of the gutter systems, seamlessly blending
modern efficiency with the timeless charm and elegance of the historic property.
Steeped in history
Originally built as the Abbey house in the early 1800s,
Stapehill Abbey was later expanded with the addition of
Monastic buildings in the 1840s. The renowned Victorian
architect Charles Hansom designed and built two
Chapels in 1851, allowing for a rich history to be housed
in its walls. The Cross Abbey order of Cistercian Trappist
nuns became the first inhabitants in 1802, and for nearly
two centuries, the order called the Abbey home until
1990. It was then transformed into a popular tourist
attraction until planning permission was granted in 2014
to convert the abbey into private homes and flats. After
years of neglect and disrepair, extensive restoration work
was required to bring it back to its former glory.
Throughout the Stapehill Abbey restoration project,
it was of utmost importance to respect the historical
significance and original features of the site. One crucial
aspect of any building's exterior is its rainwater drainage
system, which holds its own heritage and history.
Originally, traditional cast iron guttering adorned the
Abbey, and the architects recognised the importance of
maintaining this aesthetic. However, modern engineering
has surpassed the effectiveness and affordability of cast
iron materials. Thankfully, innovative products that
prioritise heritage are now available, such as Brett Martin's
Cascade cast iron effect rainwater system.
A challenging task ahead
At the outset of the ambitious project, the building had
been abandoned for some time, and the integration of
modern structures had initiated a worrying trend of
causing the original structures to crumble inwards. This
posed a formidable challenge to the developers, Ankers
and Rawlings, who teamed up with Scott Worsfold
Architects to create a comprehensive plan. The scope of
the project hinged on the requirement to preserve the
abbey's period features, and to create a village around the
centrepiece that would accentuate its charm instead of
detracting from it. In essence, the goal was to strike
a balance between contemporary development and
historical preservation which needed sensitive planning
in place.
