The National Trust is constantly working to conserve the buildings we protect.

Four in every five of our historic houses run at a loss. Difficult decisions have to be made each year on what our conservation projects should be.

We are in constant need of financial help to meet our commitments - if you would like to support this work, please make a donation to our general fund. Below are two recent conservation projects which breathed new life into two very unusual buildings.

Chinese House

The Chinese House at Stowe, the first Chinese pavilion recorded in Britain, is a small, highly decorative structure believed to have been designed by William Kent around 1738.

During its 266 years it has had many moves – within the Stowe estate, to neighbouring Wotton House and even to Ireland before coming to the National Trust in 1992. Funds were raised to allow a complete restoration in 1997 as both the structure of the building and the painted surfaces were in poor condition.

This unique pavilion has been returned to a stable condition after many journeys. With appropriate maintenance it should remain in the landscape at Stowe for the enjoyment of all for many years to come.

Read the full story of the Chinese House ...

Maori meeting house

Plans are being drawn up to repair a much travelled and exotic building – the Maori meeting house, called Hinemihi, at Clandon Park, in Surrey.

Hinemihi was built in 1881 and stood in the village of Te Wairoa in New Zealand’s North Island. In 1886 an eruption destroyed the village. Hinemihi was one of the few buildings remaining.

After the village was abandoned Hinemihi stood empty for six years before being bought by the Earl of Onslow and shipped to England in 1892.

The last major repairs were carried out 25 years ago and the English climate has taken its toll – Hinemihi’s roof is failing, and she, for Maoris believe the building to have living qualities, has to be protected from water, insect, plant and animal damage.

Read the full story of Hinemihi ...