Preserving History: Skill-Stone Completes Chimney Restoration at Beaumanor Hall
When it comes to protecting Leicestershire’s historic landmarks, specialist craftsmanship is vital. That’s why Skill-Stone Ltd was chosen to carry out the essential chimney restoration works at Beaumanor Hall, a Grade II* listed estate with over 175 years of history.
The project became a priority in early 2025, when structural engineers flagged that several of the seven-tonne chimneys had deteriorated, posing a public safety risk. As reported by Leicestershire County Council, Beaumanor Hall was temporarily closed to the public while urgent works were undertaken.
The Challenge: Restoring Heritage with Care
Restoring chimneys of this scale isn’t just about brick and mortar—it’s about respecting historic architecture while applying modern safety standards. The team at Skill-Stone Ltd faced three key challenges:
- Weight & Structure – Each chimney, weighing up to seven tonnes, required careful assessment and specialist techniques to ensure stability.
- Historic Sensitivity – As a listed building, every step had to preserve the hall’s character and comply with heritage conservation requirements.
- Minimal Disruption – With Beaumanor Hall serving schools, community groups, and events, the work needed to be completed efficiently to allow reopening as quickly as possible.
The Work: Expertise in Action
The Skill-Stone restoration team delivered a meticulous programme of works, which included:
- Stabilising and rebuilding the affected chimneys, using traditional materials blended with modern reinforcements.
- Careful stone and brick replacement, ensuring the repairs were sympathetic to the original design.
- Specialist pointing and weatherproofing to protect the chimneys against further deterioration.
- Full structural safety testing before handover, giving confidence that Beaumanor Hall could reopen safely.
The Result: Beaumanor Hall Reopens
Thanks to the expert craftsmanship of Skill-Stone Ltd, the project was completed within the critical timeframe, allowing Beaumanor Hall to reopen to schools, events, and the wider community after around ten weeks of closure.
The reopening was confirmed in the County Council’s June 2025 Cabinet Report, ensuring that this historic site continues to play a central role in Leicestershire’s cultural and educational life.
Why Choose Skill-Stone for Heritage Projects?
With a proven track record in heritage restoration, stone masonry, and structural repairs, Skill-Stone Ltd is trusted across Leicestershire and beyond to deliver high-quality results on sensitive and complex projects.
Whether it’s historic building conservation, chimney restoration, or large-scale masonry repairs, our team brings the expertise, care, and attention to detail needed to balance tradition with modern safety standards.
Get in Touch
If you’re planning a heritage restoration project or require specialist masonry services, contact Skill-Stone Ltd today. Our experienced team is here to protect and enhance your property, just as we’ve done with Beaumanor Hall.