SPRING cleaning is a chore at the best of times but imagine having to tackle hundreds of rooms, miles of corridors and centuries old gutters.
This is the task that National Trust properties in Warwickshire face this month as they embark upon their spring clean.
At Charlecote Park near Wellesbourne the annual gutter clean is set to take place. As a grade I listed building dating back to Tudor times, great care has to be taken to clean the exterior of the building combining both specialist equipment and traditional techniques.
At Upton House near Banbury, a six-week project is currently underway to make the roof watertight. The lead lining along the entire valley of the roof is being replaced due to water leaking through onto the first floor.
This work has to take place at this time of year to avoid disrupting the bats that hibernate during the winter months – and an ecologist on hand to supervise the project.
Kellie Scott, general manager at Charlecote Park, said: “We have a unique range of buildings in our care. Each property has its own story to tell and it’s our job to ensure it can be told for generations to come.
“Like any building that isn’t properly maintained and conditions regularly checked, they can develop problems which ultimately can result in huge costs in time and money, repairing them further down the line.
“That’s why our building surveyors work tirelessly, especially during spring, to ensure that the properties in our care are kept in the best condition possible.”
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for further details.
