Historic priory gatehouse restored as holiday let

An ancient estate's 15th Century gatehouse has reopened as a holiday let after being fully restored.

St Osyth Priory, near Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, is undergoing a years-long project to revitalise its historic buildings and land, including the development of a new housing estate, after years of neglect.

The transformation of the gatehouse was a "pivotal moment" at the luxury wedding and events venue, the estate manager said.

Architect and TV presenter George Clarke, who cut the ribbon, described it as "absolutely magnificent".

"You can really see all the details of the stonework, the flints, the roof tiles and the chimneys," he added.

Describing the complexity of the restoration, he said: "You have to dig deep into the archives of how it was built, what it was built with, and what materials we should be using to restore it; it's unbelievably complicated.

"It's a building that belongs to everybody, because it's so historic, so you have to take a 150-year view of it."

William Greensted, the estate's managing director, said the gatehouse had been an eyesore for years while covered in scaffolding.

"It's taken a lot of skilled people and it's been a hell of a job," he added.

"It was very dilapidated and unkept over the years.

"Our job is to secure the legacy here for ever, and make sure everyone gets to enjoy the priory."

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