New Event Space Completed at Historic Alford Manor House
A major improvement project at the historic Alford Manor House has now been completed, with a brand-new permanent events venue officially handed over to the Alford Manor House Trustees.
The £2.1million UK Government Funded project which East Lindsey District Council has delivered has seen the creation of a new facility, named The Orangery, which will serve as a versatile event space for the Manor House, providing a dedicated venue for weddings, celebrations of lives lost, conferences, celebrations, community events and private hire.
As part of the development, a new kitchen and bar area have been created within The Orangery. This will allow the relocation of the existing kitchen facilities, creating additional space within the Manor House to enhance and expand museum displays. The improvements will enrich the visitor experience while helping to preserve and showcase the site's rich history.
The project has also delivered a new outdoor storage and workshop facility, enabling the Rural Life Museum to house additional machinery and artefacts. This will allow more items from the collection to be displayed for visitors to enjoy.
Planning application was submitted in July 2024 and approved in October 2024. Following a competitive procurement process, Probus Construction was appointed in June 2025, with construction work commencing in August 2025.
Alford Manor House is a Grade II* listed building and one of Lincolnshire's most significant historic landmarks. Throughout the project, great care has been taken to respect and preserve the heritage of the site. Probus Construction worked closely with the Trustees and project team to ensure the historic character of the building was maintained, with original materials and features retained and reused wherever possible.
The completion of The Orangery marks an important milestone for Alford Manor House, securing its future as a vibrant community and visitor destination while creating new opportunities for events, exhibitions and income generation to support the site's ongoing preservation.
Councillor Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safey, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction at East Lindsey District Council, said: “The completion of The Orangery is a fantastic milestone for Alford Manor House and for the wider community. This investment has created a high-quality event space that will help secure the long-term future of one of East Lindsey’s historic buildings.
