The owners of a 200-year-old gothic mansion named as one of the UK’s most endangered buildings say they have spent more than £1.5m on conserving it.
Shadwell Court, in Brettenham, just outside of Thetford, is an impressive Grade 1 listed country mansion, which was originally built in 1715, but remodelled in the 19th century.
The building, which is owned by a member of the Dubai ruling family and run by Shadwells Estate Company Ltd, has been left empty since the mid 1990's and is in need of extensive restoration work.
Now it has been nominated by the public to be featured on the 'Top 10 most endangered buildings list', released by the National Architecture Charity and the Victorian Society.
They claim Shadwell has been affected by severe dry rot outbreaks, caused by leaks in the roof.
But a spokesman from Shadwell Estate Company said: "Shadwell Court, of which we took occupation in 1992, is a centrepiece to the estate and since then has been a focus of investment for Shadwell.
"Since 2008 alone we have spent over £1.66m on conservation works to maintain the building and keep it in adequate repair including, among many other things, works to renew the roofs, refurbishment works and day to day maintenance.
"Current projects under detailed consideration include the refurbishment of an adjoining cottage and conservation works to the courtyard buildings."
Christopher Costelloe, director of the Victorian Society, said: "This year's top ten endangered buildings is a particularly rich mix, with buildings of amazing quality throughout the country facing demolition or ruin.
"Shadwell Court's owner can easily afford to look after this important building properly. This major country house has been neglected for far too long and it will be a scandal if it isn't put right soon."
Other buildings that have made it onto this year's list include the Queensbury Tunnel in Yorkshire, Everton Library in Liverpool and the Hulme Hippodrome in Manchester.
Following last years top ten endangered buildings, Great Yarmouth Council confirmed it is seeking a developer to restore its Winter Gardens back to community use.
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