Castle Howard has been crowned winner of the Historic Houses Restoration Award 2025

The prestigious award, sponsored by Sotheby’s auction house, was created in 2008 and recognises outstanding examples of the work being carried out by private owners, to protect and preserve the historic buildings in their care.

Grade I listed Castle Howard, near York, was the first building designed by architect Sir John Vanbrugh in 1699; its accompanying park covers 1000 acres. The restoration of the Tapestry Drawing Room, an eighteenth century room which was lost in a fire in 1940, impressed judges.

The aim of the project was not to create a complete replica, as limited visual evidence exists of the room prior to the fire, but to recreate the Baroque character of the room. New panelling was created to accommodate the ‘Four Seasons’ tapestries by John Vanderbank, commissioned by the 3rd Earl of Carlisle -a letter by Hawksmoor in the archive details advice on their hanging in this room. Alongside this, a contemporary suite of armchairs attributed to James Moore were also restored.

The completion of the room recovers an important lost interior and removes an awkward hiatus on the visitor route, as it’s now possible for the public to move through and comprehend the eighteenth century iteration of the rooms on the south side of the house with new levels of interpretation. The project has long been in development, having been delayed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and finally began in late 2023. The restoration work was completed throughout regular visiting hours and where possible, local contractors and specialists were used.

The project is part of a broader refurbishment labelled ‘Castle Howard’s 21st-Century Renaissance’, which aims to re-present the collections, expand historical narratives, and explain the realities of preserving a heritage property today whilst also allowing the house to evolve in an appropriate contemporary idiom. Judges were impressed by the blend of traditional heritage skills including plastering, joinery, and painting with the sympathetic introduction of modern utilities.

The Honourable Nicholas Howard of Castle Howard said: “This project has long been in development, and we could not have won this award without the exceptional work carried out by all the craftsmen and designers involved. My thanks go to all of them, and to the judges who have recognised this work.” 

The Earl of Rosebery, Honorary Chairman, Sotheby’s UK: “The restoration work in Castle Howard represents one of the most significant projects of its kind in years. The quality of the craftsmanship and the abilities of the superb team made it a standout this year. We are delighted to give Castle Howard this recognition.” 

Watch the Restoration Award winner video below.