Hatfield Forest’s Shell House returned to former glory

The National Trust’s Hatfield Forest National Nature Reserve has seen its much-loved Shell House restored to its former glory after a five-month restoration project concluded earlier this month, thanks to the generous gift left in a will.

The Shell House sits at the heart of Hatfield Forest overlooking the lake and is thought to be designed by famous landscape design Lancelot ‘Capabilty’ Brown
[1]. It was constructed by the Houblon family around 1750
and is situated approximately two kilometres from the main house, Hallingbury Place (demolished in 1926) and was designed to be an extension of their grand home where they could ride out and enjoy picnics and entertain by the lake.

The interior of the Shell House was decorated by Jacob Houblon’s 17-year-old daughter Laetitia. Some of the original shells used have been identified as coming from the West Indian, West
African and Indo Pacific trade with which her family was involved. Exotic shells and a rare fossil outside, above the door have been used in the decoration, but the majority of the decorative materials appear to have been more locally sourced estuarine shells,
local flint, glass and foundry slag.

The restoration has been carried out by
Cliveden Conservation and included repairs to the timber structure, laths[2]
and the lime render involving highly skilled an intricate work. Using traditional techniques and following original patterns, knapped flint, blue glass slag and a variety
of exotic and native shells have been fixed to the outer walls using original materials where possible.

Speaking about the project, Hatfield Forest Property Operations Manager, James Rowland said:
“Since 1759, the Shell House has been at the heart of Hatfield Forest. Over the years, the unique exterior of this special building gradually deteriorated and this year, we had the pleasure of teaming up with Cliveden Conservation
to carry out its vital restoration. Reaching its completion in summer, it’s fitting that this newly restored, beautiful building looks out onto a scene of visitors enjoying their day in the summer sunshine in the Forest, which echos why the Shell House was
first commissioned by the Houblon family in the 18th
century. It’s brilliant to see this truly special building looking its best once more, ensuring it will continue to intrigue and delight for generations
to come.”

Following the restoration of the exterior, a deep conservation clean is being carried out and it’s hoped visitors will be able to step inside this beautiful building once
again.

Hatfield Forest is the most complete example of a medieval royal hunting forest surviving today. With over 1,000 acres of ancient coppices and wood pasture and 1,000 years
of continuous management, it provides a unique glimpse of how the countryside was shaped in the years following the Norman Conquest. Sold by the Houblon family at an auction
in October 1923, it was originally bought by a Yorkshire timber merchant, but subsequently purchased by Edward North Buxton who presented it to the National Trust in 1924.

Next year marks 100 years of Hatfield Forest being cared for by the National Trust and plans to mark this historic occasion are underway. It’s hoped that the new restored Shell House will
play a part in the celebrations.