A hidden gem in a Northumberland town looks set to get the love and attention it desperately needs.
Prudhoe is home to the Grade-II listed Prudhoe Hall, which features a walled garden, Victorian glasshouses and gardener's cottage.
Prudhoe Hall was built in 1876 by the wealthy Liddell family, who made their fortune in coal mining.
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The family sold it in 1904 to Colonel Swan, who went on to sell it a decade later to the Northern Counties Joint Poor Law Committee. It then became a residential "colony" for people with learning difficulties and mental health issues.
It remained a mental health hospital for the next 90 years - but since then it has fallen into disuse and disrepair, along with the walled garden and its buildings. It is believed the walled garden was built in the 1870s to supply the house with produce.
The Victorian glasshouses and gardener's cottage have deteriorated considerably. Many of the panes of glass, as well as the timber frame in the glasshouses, is damaged, while the gardener's cottage has been completely stripped out.
The future, however, may look brighter. Hexham MP Guy Opperman and Coun Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South on Northumberland County Council, have been working "behind the scenes" with Homes England and property developer Gentoo on a plan to put the walled garden back into good use.
A meeting was held in November 2022 between Homes England, Gentoo, Northumberland County Council's planning department and Mr Opperman to discuss the site's future. Gentoo, which is currently building the Cottier Grange estate nearby, has now committed to carrying out restoration works at the walled garden.
Coun Stewart said planners were already on the case, as the building's listed status means any changes would require planning permission.
The developer is also keen to secure a sustainable solution to fund ongoing maintenance work to preserve the walled garden when works at Prudhoe Hall are complete.
Mr Opperman said: “I am pleased that restoration works will take place to preserve the Walled Garden at Prudhoe Hall. This is a community asset and I’m delighted that we're seeing action.”
Paul Reed, Head of Commercial and Land at Gentoo Homes added: “At Gentoo Homes we look forward to working with our partners and the community to restore the Walled Garden at Prudhoe Hall to its former glory.
"We remain committed to securing a sustainable solution to fund ongoing maintenance works to preserve the Walled Garden for generations to come.”
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