THE BIG HOUSE REBORN

Mount Stewart House on Strangford Lough, for more than 200 years the luxurious summer home of one of the most influential political and land-owning dynasties in Ireland, is now a scene of faded grandeur.

As the National Trust embarks on a massive, three-year, £8 million project to repair and restore not only the fabric of the house but also its internal decor and its many treasures, we follow the work of the conservators and hear the story of the life and times of Mount Stewart – its owners and their royal, distinguished and often controversial visitors.

The decorating team arrive at Mount Stewart to repaint the iconic central hall while project curator Frances Bailey investigates the beautiful stained glass windows of the chapel, which contain glass dating back to the 1400’s.

Truly exquisite when restored to its former glory, this 18th century neo-classical manor is opened by HRH Prince Charles on its completion.

The Big House Reborn captures the highs and lows as the team undertake this huge project over a painstaking three years.