The house-fortress: modern reconstruction of the old family castle

Astley Castle, in Nuneaton, North Warwickshire, has recently been restored and refurbished by Witherford Watson Mann Architects, with the help of a team of architects. A fabulous restoration project won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in 2013. The architects have offered an interesting view on how old buildings – one might say, ruins – can be restored and supplemented with actual modern interior details, while remaining as expressive and expressive as before. The Landmark Trust’s idea was to turn a stately medieval building into a new vacation home.

Restoration and renovation turned out to be a non-standard task and the main difficulty was to find and keep the perfect balance between traditional and modern.

The renovation process becomes even more delicate when it comes to a 12th-century castle with a rich history and many traditions. Astley was turned into a hotel after World War II and then accidentally destroyed by fire in 1978. The ruins were untouched until recently, when architects Witherford Watson Mann began the restoration.

Much of the building has been preserved in its original form. And the new additions – brickwork and solid unpolished wood – match the ancient walls and the castle’s interior.

Modern kitchen, spacious dining room The living rooms are on the upper floor, the bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground floor ––&#8211. From the outside, Astley Castle looks truly unique, transporting guests back in time and letting them feel the centuries-old history of the place.

Some may find the idea of spending a weekend in “ruins” strange, but others find it an impressive vacation. The renovated castle offers its visitors a luxurious retreat and gives wonderful, unique emotions.

Simple Decor in neutral tones and modest additions underscore the merits of the projects, which retain the original appearance of the architectural landmarks.