Find out more
Chatsworth house might look like it will last forever. In fact, it was purposefully designed to look this way. But, like any building, it is fragile and requires constant care and attention. The most recent review of the building's structure and services in 2004 showed that major renewal work is needed to improve access and enjoyment for visitors today, and to secure Chatsworth's future for the next 100 years and beyond.
What impact will Masterplan work have on visitors in 2009?
• Click here for important access information for visitors to the house using wheelchairs, or requiring a lift.
• The North Front, Inner Court and West Garden wall will be faced in scaffolding throughout 2009.
• The only part of the visitor route closed in 2009 is one section of one corridor. Pictures have been moved from this corridor to one of two private rooms which will be specially opened for 2009 only.
• The view upwards from the Oak Stairs will be blocked by hoarding to allow restoration work to take place.
What will the results of the Masterplan be from 2010?
• Fewer stairs on the visitor route and full wheelchair access to all floors.
• New spaces, restored interiors and more space for displays.
• New water, heating and electricity services in the house.
• Repaired and conserved stonework and carvings, inside and out.
When will the Masterplan be completed?
The Masterplan is a multi-phased project. The current phase will finish in early 2010, when the new visitor route will be ready and the scaffolding at the North Front, Inner Court and West Garden wall will be removed. Look out for news of the next phases in the future.
Who is involved in the Masterplan?
• Hundreds of external contractors from around the country have joined Chatsworth's skilled in-house team.
• A design team is overseeing the project, led by the Duke and Duchess. It includes the architect Peter Inskip, interiors expert David Milinaric and art historian Jonathan Bourne.
• The Chatsworth House Trust general manager Sarah Montgomery and house comptroller Sean Doxey are managing the project with Rupert Symmons at Fanshawe project management.
• Gifford is the service and drainage engineering company based in London and Oxford.
• Mann Williams is the structural engineering company from Bath.
• Historic building analysis has been carried out by ARCUS, the University of Sheffield's Archaeological Research and Consultancy.