The project involves the restoration and adaptation of three outbuildings on the Cotesbach Estate.  The buildings will provide the setting for activities of the Cotesbach Educational Trust.  The Cotesbach Estate is the nucleus of a larger estate, which has been in the ownership of the Marriott family for over 250 years and as a consequence has survived as a remarkable example of architectural and social history.  The Trust has a 50 year lease on the buildings which stand in the centre of the Estate.

The Schoolhouse, separately listed Grade II, is reputedly one of the first of its kind in the country.  It was purpose built in the late 18th century, by Rev. Robert Marriott, for the education of the children of Cotesbach and the surrounding villages;

 

  • The Stick House, an old milking parlour of a similar date; and
  • The mid Victorian Coach House

 

All three buildings are located in the curtilage of Cotesbach Hall, which is listed Grade II, Queen Anne, Georgian and Victorian.  Together these buildings provide a significant heritage focus for Cotesbach; and an example of very local history, unique to the village but which contributes to a larger national social change.

 

 

The project seeks to

  • Retain the historic fabric of these ancient buildings;
  • Introduce new elements which protect the historic setting;
  • Sustain the site and its long term viability

The restored Schoolhouse will accommodate 30 children at a time, whether visiting for a study day or for field studies to support a set of work they might be engaged in at school.  The Coach House will include an archive repository viewing space and artefact display case.  The Coach House will be extended to provide additional teaching space and to accommodate a café area, selling seasonal produce sourced mainly on the Estate, with opening doors to extend the space into an external seating area.  It will include kitchen facilities and be used for cookery demonstrations for up to 15 people.  There will be a cloakroom and toilets as well as flexible mixed use space for an arrival point, reception/office, space to form an exhibition and a second teaching area with a kitchen store.

The trust is working towards raising £750,000 to restore the buidings and for funding for the delivery of community based programmes.  To date a grant of £570,000 has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund along with grants from The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Ernest Cook Trust, Harborough Estate.