The National Trust has now revealed its designs to restore and refurbish Clandon Park House to celebrate the rich history and legacy wrapped around the building.
The Grade I listed home near Guildford was considered an architectural masterpiece when it was built 200 years ago.
But Clandon Park House was tragically gutted by an accidental fire in 2015, destroying the roof and leaving most of the interior with blackened and scorched brickwork.
Illustrative designs show the trust’s ambitions for Clandon Park House to become a new national treasure and a defining cultural hub, with space for workshops and social events.
Guildford Borough Council unanimously approved the plans last week.
Restoring the inside of the mansion house, the scheme will refurbish and replace windows and doors, reinstating the stairs as well as providing a new accessible lift from the basement to the roof.
Generous walkways will be carved out in the mansion house and the scheme promises to conserve historic collections, redisplaying them in creative ways.
Alterations to the basement will provide a cafe, toilets and other back of house bits.
The project will restore the exterior of the building to appear as it did before it was engulfed by the fire, planning documents state.
1. Designs for Clandon Park House revealed as council approves restoration plans - in pictures
The Marble Hall will be at the heart of the house with a newly designed roof Photo: Allies and Morrison/National Trust
2. Designs for Clandon Park House revealed as council approves restoration plans - in pictures
The Marble Hall could also be used for evening events Photo: Allies and Morrison/National Trust
3. Designs for Clandon Park House revealed as council approves restoration plans - in pictures
Visitors can engage in cultural activities and workshops in the palladio space Photo: Allies and Morrison/National Trust
4. Designs for Clandon Park House revealed as council approves restoration plans - in pictures
Large walkways will create space for displays and to pause at the architecture Photo: Allies and Morrison/National Trust