PROPERTY professionals can find out more about the conservation of period properties at a new programme of courses to be held at an historic Yorkshire manor house.
Seaton Hall, at Staithes, near Whitby, is hosting five residential courses on behalf of the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers (ISSE) and is encouraging anyone in the property industry keen to learn about the skills and requirements of conservation to sign up.
The two and three-day courses all incorporate talks from a series of leading surveyors, craftsmen and building conservation experts and carry Continuous Professional Development update accreditation.
Some of the courses will also be accredited by ABBE – the UK’s leading accreditation and warding body in the built environment – and details are available upon request.
Course One will cover the use and characteristics of roofing materials, masonry and brick along with types of guttering and the use of lime mortar and plaster, while Course Two will look at window and door styles, glazing, fanlights, wall boundaries, internal decorative plaster patterns and wall finishes.
Course Three will identify conservation areas, planning requirements and heritage associations along with risk assessments and advice on buying an old or listed property and Course Four will focus on identifying and removing damaged or inappropriate work, dampness and timber defects.
Course Five is a two-day course looking at aspects of the conservation of 20th century buildings and covers topics such as concrete and its conservation, rendering, plastering and cavity walls, along with plumbing, paints and décor and furnishings and textiles.
A number of sightseeing visits to historic buildings in Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors national park are also included in the itineraries and the ISSE is inviting attendees to bring their partners who, for a small additional cost, can also attend or be free to explore the local area.
The 1000-year-old Seaton Hall is mentioned in the Domesday survey and participants will be accommodated in a selection of luxurious, converted courtyard buildings in its grounds, with all meals provided by the Hall’s team of caterers.
William Kidd, Chairman and Fellow of the ISSE – an Institute aimed at improving standards and training within the industry - and the owner of Seaton Hall, said: “The courses cover a detailed and wide range of topics associated with period properties and as well as talks and site visits there will also be some hands-on work to really help put the information into practice.
“Above all, however, participants will get the chance to listen and chat to leading conservation experts while enjoying fabulous food and accommodation in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.”
The courses are held from Tuesday to Thursday on the second and third weeks of the month and cost £590 per person including accommodation and catering. Participants wishing to bring a guest can do so for an additional cost of £130.
For further information on the courses and the topics covered, or to reserve a place, call the ISSE on 0800 136779 or visit its website at www.isse.org.uk
