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The Garden Lodge Project

Published:
27 February 2026
Lyveden's garden lodge surrounded by green grass stands tall in the spring sun.
The Garden Lodge Conservation | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Conservation Project to Repair Lyveden's Iconic Garden Lodge

Why we are carrying out vital conservation work

A stone condition survey of the Garden Lodge undertaken in 2024 found parts of the historic building to be unsafe. Some of the timber lintels which support the window openings have slowly eroded over time and are no longer supported the stonework above as well as they should. This forced us to close the interior of the building until we could establish the extent of this degradation, find the right craftspeople to undertake the work and make it safe to enter again. 

 

What work is taking place

 Over the coming weeks, the Lodge will be a hive of activity as work is undertaken. 
A specialist team from High Life Ropes Access will work throughout the building to repair stonework, replace timbers and supplement the historic mortar. This will involve working at height; using scaffolding and temporary platforms to access certain areas. 
The team have also sourced seasoned timber to replace some beams which are beyond salvaging, found identical limestone to align with the existing stonework and matched the mortar to the kind used in the 16th century. 

 

Our commitment to preservation

As the culmination of Thomas Tresham’s vision for Lyveden, the Garden Lodge stands as a unique survivor of the Elizabethan age, and as a Scheduled Ancient Monument it is vital that the building is able to be enjoyed for future centuries. 
The work aims to be completed (weather permitting) in time for Summer. We look forward to inviting visitors back inside the Garden lodge soon. Thank you for your understanding whilst we carry out this important work. 

What this means for your visit

Whilst we are busy caring for the Garden Lodge, access to the interior is no longer accessible. But visitors can still get close and admire it's beauty and the tranquil landscape surrounding it. We can't wait to allow visitors back soon to explore, learn, and enjoy this iconic building. 

 

A view of the Elizabethan lodge at Lyveden with the sun hitting the walls and blue sky above

Discover more at Lyveden

Find out when Lyveden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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