Summerhouse restoration sees a wonderful structure conserved

Last month, we were excited to welcome the Summerhouse back to Swiss Garden following a lengthy period of conservation work on the structure.

Nestled at the end of the Terrace, the Summerhouse is a much-loved structure in Swiss Garden and one of the focal points of the annual Shuttleworth in Lights trail. From our research, it would appear that the structure was either re-created or heavily restored by the Shuttleworth family back in the late 1800s – we have seen an archival drawing dated 1877, but it is likely that the structure itself was built prior to the drawings being submitted.

Around 10 years ago the roof of this wonderful  structure was replaced, and other parts were repaired. Unfortunately, two fundamental problems occurred from this work: the lack of capping in the hip corners caused water to run through to the structure below, and with no damp proof being installed between the timber and brickwork of the main brink plinth, water penetrated the sole plate. As a result, extensive rot and water damage meant that the structure was at risk of sudden collapse and so the Summerhouse was taken to be repaired back in June 2025.

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Swiss Garden, supported by the Shuttleworth Trust,  the Summerhouse underwent an extensive restoration that was completed on 2 October.

The Summerhouse is one of a fantastic array of quirky structures and listed features within Swiss Garden and so we are delighted to see the structure back and looking stunning in the autumn light of the garden.