Great Comp

Community, Arts and Heritage

Great Comp is an historic estate with links back to the 13th century. The main house is a substantial 17th century Grade 2* listed structure over 4 storeys surrounded with a number of later outbuildings. The site is best known currently for a series of gardens and follies developed in the late 20th Century by Eric Cameron which are open to the public and currently managed by the salvia expert William Dyson and Great Comp Trust.

Kaner Olette have been working at the site for a number of years on a developing masterplan for the site with the aim to restore the historic building and improve public access and usage.

An initial vision was developed and then followed up with a Conservation Plan to assess the significance and set guidelines for any works.

Current projects include the refurbishment of the Gardener’s Cottage, improvement of the Stables Theatre and Dairy Tearooms. The main house remedials are ongoing and suitable consents for roof and structural repairs as well as heating and an improved fire strategy.

A new terrace and ramps has been sensitively designed to enable inclusive access to the main house primary level and form a space for new uses with strong links to the gardens.