Before photo of Lindfield’s Old Place belvedere
By Claire Cooper
A rooftop feature gracing one of Lindfield’s most historic houses has been restored to its former glory. Work on the belvedere at Old Place East Wing was completed last month, replicating the original constructed by Charles Eamer Kempe in 1891. The work has been project managed by Lindfield businessman John Bellière, whose former wife Regina, son Troy and daughter-in-law Alexandra moved into Old Place in 2015. When they arrived, they found the Belvedere had suffered many years of neglect and was in a sorry state.
“The belvedere was literally falling down. One large part has crashed down across the roof and landed in a neighbour’s garden!” said John. “We always intended on restoring the belvedere, but we had to prioritise the restoration of the house, so the project was on hold until earlier this year.” John explained that the original structure was built around large cold water storage tanks, probably to hide them from view. “It was a bit of an extravagance really with its nine gold-plated flags and weather vane which stood above the belvedere and moves with the wind.” Shortly after the family moved in, the remaining structure was carefully taken down and the tanks, which were no longer needed, removed.
Old Place part way through restoration
Earlier this year, John, who runs Scaynes Hill based heating company BSW gathered together a team of craftsmen to work on the renovation project, creating a workshop in a garage adjacent to the house. “The secret of the project’s success has been the brilliant people who have worked on it,” said John. Carpenters Steve Turner and Chris Nye produced replicas of the original woodwork, including decorative panels and handrails, to create the structure, while blacksmith Steve Winsor worked on shotblasting and renovating the post flags and weather vane, before decorator Andy Kerr provided the finishing touches of paint and gold leaf.
He added that the original stairs inside the house leading to the Belvedere were also replaced. “The original was an extremely narrow spiral - you had to be a contortionist to get up them!” said John.“Without the tanks, the Belvedere has become a really useful space, perfect for afternoon tea on a sunny day or an early evening G & T,” added John. “But more importantly, we’re proud to have re-instated this unique feature on one of Lindfield’s most iconic properties for the next 100 years.
The restoration project has been welcomed by members of Lindfield Preservation Society whose Chairman Gil Kennedy visited the belvedere last month to view the work and enjoy the stunning rooftop views. “It has been a real pleasure to visit the restored Belvedere at Old Place, with its sweeping views over Lindfield and the countryside,” he said. “This is a good example of sensitive and accomplished restoration that adds to the character of our village.”
Read the whole article today on page 24 of November’s issue.