A £3.8 million project to renovate the roof at the 17th Century mansion, Dyrham Park, just outside of Bath is well under way.
 
500 tonnes of scaffolding were erected around the building between January and May to enclose the roof and allow for a 230 metre long public walkway. Two large viewing platforms allow visitors to have aerial views over the renovation, ancient parkland with vistas all the way to Bristol and beyond.
 
46 tonnes of lead and 8,000 slates are being replaced, because as the BBC writes, up to 90 percent of joints were leaking. The roof is 150 years old and after 25 years of repairs, the National Trust decided a complete refurbishment was needed. With the help of an £85,000 Heritage Lottery grant it was possible for the renovation to be opened to the public.
 
Whilst using the walkway visitors come face to face with a giant stone eagle sculpture, a 300 year old lead figure of Mercury, huge decorative stone urns that adorn the top of the roof, and many large chimney stacks. A number of tradespeople are working in full view including lead workers, stone masons and carpenters. It is plain to see where old materials have been replaced with new.
 
The casing over the building and the walkway gives the whole project the feeling of a museum or art piece. Unlike the messy, dirty, noisy, chaos of a 'normal' building site, a feeling of calm and concentration ensues. The restorers conduct themselves quietly and professionally. Refreshingly there is not one person taking an everlasting tea break, and no one is standing around scratching their head or yelling instructions. Two national trust volunteers are on hand to answer questions allowing the workers get on with their jobs.
 
The renovation is a rare opportunity to see skilled craftspeople restoring the roof of an important local landmark.
 
Dyrham Park, Dyrham, near Bath, Gloucestershire, SN14 8ER Tel: 0117 937 2501