The team at Wentworth Woodhouse hopes to find a big-hearted painter and decorator willing to make a splash at the Rotherham stately home.
Thankfully it’s not for the Grade I listed mansion itself – with 400 windows and over 300 rooms, the task takes forever and a day…
It’s two new cabins in the gardens which require the touch of a professional brush.
The wooden cabins have just arrived and can be booked as cosy retreats by visitors from June onwards.
Bought along with a new outdoor classroom thanks to a Culture Recovery 2020 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund last spring, the garden rooms are a welcome addition to Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s outdoor facilities.
The setting for small family celebrations, children’s parties, arts and crafts sessions and group afternoon teas, the cabins can also be hired by visitors simply wanting a base so they can stay an entire day in the gardens.
First, though, they need decorating.
A tasteful country colour scheme is being created, with simple furnishings inspired by nature.
“The cabins will be a lovely addition to our gardens. COVID-19 is likely to remain with us for some time, so being outdoors as much as possible will continue being important,” said Paula Hayes, the Trust’s new Chief Operations Officer.
“They will operate a bit like the beach huts you hire at the seaside and are ideal for families, especially those with members who are elderly, very young or have special needs.”
Added Paula: “We would love to have the cabins looking super-stylish for summer bookings, but the house has been closed for almost a year and finances are tight.
“We are hoping a local business will volunteer to wield brushes and paint for us, ”
The garden rooms measure 3.65m by 4.9m and the task is likely to take up to six days.
Anyone up for the task can contact the Trust’s Facilities Manager Julie Readman (Julie@wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk).