Released on = June 23, 2007, 4:17 pm

Press Release Author = Claire Hamill of UK Plumbing Ltd (www.uk-plumbing.com)

Industry = Real Estate

Press Release Summary = To bring this historic building back to its former glory
would take many months, a healthy bank balance, patience and expertise.

Press Release Body = The recently aired Channel Five television programme "Build a
new life in the country" featured the total restoration of the Grade II listed
Menagerie by Richard Keble and Jane Kinnaird.

The derelict 18th century historic 235 year old country house in the heart of rural
Warwickshire called The Menagerie, was built as a private zoo and hunting lodge for
the magnificent Coombe Abbey estate nearby. Designed by architect Henry Holland, who
was best known for his work on the Marine Pavilion at Brighton, Sussex which was
designed for the Prince Regent, the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and the Royal Opera
House. It is said that he was influenced in this design by the Menagerie at the
Palace of Versailles.

The 8 acres of gardens and lake, were designed by landscape architect, Capability
Brown. It is estimated that Brown was responsible for over 170 gardens surrounding
the finest country houses and estates in Britain. Blenheim Palace, Kew Gardens,
Warwick Castle, Harewood House, Bowood House and Milton Abbey are just a few.

This project was a huge undertaking. The property had suffered at the hands of
vandals who had set many fires inside the building - one of which nearly destroyed
the three story staircase. The damage caused by the natural elements was extensive
and the Death Watch Beetle had moved in. All of this meant that before any
renovation work could take place, half the budget had to be spent at the start of
the project on major structural work. Once the roof was back on and the property
made watertight then the painstaking tasks of restoring the building to its former
glory really began.

Whilst tradesmen got to work in the interior of the building, contractors were
brought in to clear the overgrown garden. For the first time in thirty years the
lake could once again be seen and the full beauty of the building can once again be
appreciated.

Jane set to work on the interior design, and mixed traditional decoration with many
modern and convenient features and products. She was determined to keep the
interior in keeping with the age of the building and the end result is stunning.
Faithfully reproduced soft furnishing and carpets take you back to a time long gone,
but the modern day comforts are all there too.

Details of this renovation project can be found on the Channel Five website
(http://homes.five.tv/jsp/5hmain.jsp?lnk

Web Site = http://www.uk-plumbing.com

Contact Details = UK Plumbing Ltd
PO Box 61
Dartmouth
Devon
TQ6 9WT