Work will get under way on restoring Mrs Smith’s Cottage back to its former glory.
Earlier this year North Kesteven District Council was successful in securing money from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the largest heritage funder in the UK, to help bring the Navenby tourist attraction, which has been closed to the public since 2013, back into use.
The Council has now received permission to start the works, and, in the first phase, the roof will need to be completely removed to establish the extent of the damage and discover what is required to make the cottage structurally safe once again.
It is anticipated the restoration will continue for the next three years, with a re-opening in 2019.
Ultimately, the overall ambition is to have a restored cottage which is fit for purpose as a visitor venue. The funding will also allow the council to revamp the visitor centre to enhance the overall experience.
Councillor Mrs Marion Brighton OBE, Leader of NKDC, said: “I am pleased to see work starting on Mrs Smith’s Cottage, which is an important part of the district’s heritage.
“The cottage offers a unique visitor experience in the heart of Lincolnshire where people get a glimpse of what life was like in days gone by.
“It is important that the district has a wealth of leisure and cultural facilities for both residents and visitors and, as a council, we remain determined to invest in these areas.”
Mrs Smith’s Cottage closed in early 2013 after a routine structural survey identified problems. Since then, both North Kesteven District Council and the Friends of Mrs Smith’s Cottage have fought hard to gain funding to bring it back into use.
The majority of the funding will come from HLF who have earmarked £591,300 towards the project. The remainder of the £791,066 costs will be met by project partners.