A large historic mansion with classical architecture, symmetrical design, and columns at the entrance, set against a cloudy sky, architecture by Nick Cox Architects.

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Calke Abbey

The beauty in decay

Calke Abbey is Grade I Listed and in the care of the National Trust. The property is an illustration of the English country house in decline with decay of the interiors being halted with little or no restoration work being carried out.

Interior of a richly decorated art gallery with ornate gold frames and wallpaper, featuring classic landscape and portrait paintings, architecture by Nick Cox Architects

A metal pipe and decorative plaque with faces and ducks mounted on an old stone wall, architecture by Nick Cox Architects.

Close-up of stone and brick wall with a window on the left and metal vent on the right, architecture by Nick Cox Architects.

Nick Cox Architects has been involved for many years on several works at the property including quinquennial reports on the fabric of the entire property, resulting on investigations, studies and monitoring of the plaster ceilings and a review of the fire compartmentation. There have been several phases of masonry, ironwork and window repairs.

In 2017 Nick Cox Architects completed the conversion of an open fronted outbuilding into a modern catering outlet. The Café works are listed separately.

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Design & build by Modern Activity