Extract from a press release: 27th February 2001 Restoration of stables at Four Ashes Hall

our Ashes Hall and Estate is celebrating this month after receiving news from English Heritage. They have announced a grant to save one of the West Midland's grandest and most historic stable blocks. Repairs to the Grade ll* Georgian stable block at Four Ashes are part of an exemplary scheme to regenerate the estate, providing first class conference and meeting facilities, along with educational, recreational and employment opportunities in the historic surroundings of the Staffordshire estate. The stables, built in 1765 by Joseph Amphlett (a cousin of Clive of India) with funds from the East India Company, are a magnificent example of Georgian architecture. They are currently on the English Heritage Register of Buildings at Risk and are in serious structural decay. The grant will pay for repairs to the roof, brickwork and windows, helping to save this important building for the future. Owner Stephen Thompson, whose family have always lived at Four Ashes Hall since building the house in 1660, inherited the estate in 1997. Over the last four years he has lovingly restored it to its former glory, it had remained virtually untouched for 100 years. Many of its rooms contain original features and the house has become a busy venue for both corporate and private events. Set in 1500 acres of its own estate the house and grounds provide an ideal venue for a host of events. The stables, when completed, will house a museum about life on the estate along with historic photographs, letters documents and costumes. The barns adjoining the stables will be open to the public. There will be an estate shop selling home reared beef, lamb and game, delicatessen foods, gifts and other items. There are plans for a restaurant and tea rooms. The stables at the front will have specially designed conference and training areas available for corporate and private use. There will also be a spectacular internal area available to weddings and private parties. For further information, please contact Four Ashes Hall 01384 221224 or email enquiries@four-ashes-hall.com

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