Coughton Court
Client: National Trust
Project: 'Through the Roof' reroofing
Location: Coughton Court, Warwickshire
Status: Completion summer 2025
A major roof restoration project conserving a Grade I-listed Tudor house
Coughton Court is a Grade I-listed Tudor house with 15th-century origins and has been home to the Throckmorton family since 1409. The building has been in the ownership of the National Trust since 1946, and the estate continues to be lived in. In line with the National Trust’s long-term conservation strategy, Oliver Architecture led a significant £3.3 million roof restoration to safeguard the building’s future.
Our 2016 Quinquennial Inspection identified extensive deterioration to the South Wing and Tower roofs, including failed leadwork, poor drainage, and moisture retention caused by impermeable modern materials. These issues were exacerbating internal water ingress and placing vulnerable historic interiors at serious risk. It was following this inspection that the need for urgent works was highlighted.
Oliver Architecture were appointed as Conservation Architect and Lead Consultant, and worked closely with the National Trust to develop a sensitive, significance-led approach grounded in minimal intervention and repair over replacement. The scheme was delivered in four phases on site between 2023 and 2025
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The project focussed on repairs to the lead roof coverings, parapet gutters, and internal downpipes, alongside external masonry and window conservation. The works have also addressed internal elements vulnerable to water damage, including rare, grained joinery and the Tabula Eliensis.
All new materials were carefully selected for compatibility with the original building fabric, and designed for durability and reversibility. Traditional craft skills including lime plastering, leadwork, and oak carpentry were employed throughout, and modern interventions have been designed to remain visually legible and honest
All new materials were carefully selected for compatibility with the original building fabric, and designed for durability and reversibility. Traditional craft skills including lime plastering, leadwork, and oak carpentry were employed throughout, and modern interventions have been designed to remain visually legible and honest
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Ecological considerations also informed the programme: bat roosts within the roof structure were protected, with scheduling adjusted to avoid disturbing breeding or hibernation seasons.
The Through the Roof project has championed futureproofing for Coughton Court, and now that it is watertight and secure, we hope that Coughton Court will be enjoyed for generations to come.
The Through the Roof project has championed futureproofing for Coughton Court, and now that it is watertight and secure, we hope that Coughton Court will be enjoyed for generations to come.