Europe’s most prestigious cultural heritage awards has given a major accolade to Rotherham country house Wentworth Woodhouse’s restored Grade II* listed Camellia House, which is home to some of the oldest surviving camellias in the Western world.
The European Heritage Awards/ Europa Nostra Awards has declared the project as one of its 30 outstanding winners from 24 countries across the Continent.
The Camellia House was the only project in the UK and one of only three winners outside of the EU Creative Europe Programme, which co-funds the awards.
The building had been derelict for 50 years before a sympathetic refurbishment by heritage architects Donald Insall Associates transformed it from a roofless ruin on the Heritage At Risk register to a public tearoom and heritage venue in 2024.
Its nationally important camellia collection, described by horticulturists as a “library full of first editions”, was carefully tended throughout the construction process.
Europa Nostra is the most representative heritage civil society network in Europe. The awards identify and promote best practice in the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage, stimulate an exchange of knowledge throughout Europe and increase public appreciation of Europe’s cultural heritage.
The Awards Jury, composed of 11 heritage experts from across Europe, said: “This restoration project removed The Camellia House from the Heritage At Risk register. The revival of a rare camellia collection and the integration of energy-efficient features demonstrate a balanced approach to horticultural, architectural and environmental heritage.
“By restoring cultural and social functions in an area affected by economic hardship, it contributes to regional regeneration through heritage.”
The winners will be celebrated at the European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2025 on 13th October during the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2025, which will take place from in Brussels.
The Camellia House restoration has already won numerous awards:
- Civic Trust Awards 2025, AABC Conservation Award – Highly Commended
- Georgian Group Award 2024, Re-use of a Georgian Building – Winner
- RICS Regional Awards (Yorkshire & Humberside) 2024,
- Refurbishment / Revitalisation Project – Winner
- Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice 2023, Innovation Category – Winner