Conservation of Royal Residence

Osborne House was originally built between 1845 and 1851 to provide Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with a private family home away from court life in London and Windsor. It was built in the Italianate style in order to fit its setting on an island whose temperate climate and panoramic views over the Solent reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. Queen Victoria used Osborne for more than 50 years, entertaining foreign royalty and visiting ministers as well as her own extensive family, and when Prince Albert died in 1861 she found solace there. After her death in 1901, part of the house became a convalescent home, and there was a naval college in the grounds.

Today, many of the rooms are still filled with original furniture and works of art, reflecting the couple’s personal tastes.

In partnership with English Heritage, CRL Restoration was appointed as Principal Contractor to carry out internal and external conservation works to the Durbar wing of the Grade I Listed building. The conservation repair works concentrated on the building fabric and the repairs necessary to keep the building watertight.

As well as carrying out essential repairs to render finishes, windows and roof lantern windows, the works included the replacement of the asphalt decking on the roof slate tiling, timber and lead work.

“CRL has been very pro-active and positive in addressing the client's queries and requests for additional work. The contract was awarded via a competitive tender and CRL has provided good value throughout”

Joseph James | National Projects Manager | English Heritage

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