JMW turner designed and built Sandycome Lodge himself, and this unique country villa remains the only surviving house in England designed by a major artist for his own use. However, despite its status as a Grade II listed building, in recent years it has suffered from neglect and was placed on the English Heritage at Risk Register.

This project has overseen the complete restoration of Sandycombe Lodge. This included extensive work on the building’s structure, and:

• the removal of non-original features
• repairs to the roof, brickwork and metalwork
• improvements to accessibility arrangements, such as the installation of a ground-floor WC

The garden also benefited from a revamped planting scheme and the renewal of the boundaries and gate.

As well as these physical interventions, the project engaged more than 60 volunteers in a range of roles, and focused on the development of new ways to interpret and present Turner’s life and work. For example, the collection that is associated with the house was catalogued and conserved, and arranged in displays for visitors to enjoy.

For more information on the project and Sandycome Lodge, visit the Turner’s House website.