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History of Stobhall
 Therefore
in 2004 a large programme of works was commenced. The
complete re-pointing of the entire set of buildings
(except the Library which was constructed using harder
stone) and the renewal of many of the window surrounds,
crow-steps, chimneys and other stonework started. The
Castle and courtyard facing roof of the Chapel were
re-slated. The electrical installation was largely
re-wired using mineral insulated copper clad (MICC)
wiring in order to reduce fire risk. All of the paving
slabs in the courtyard were lifted, replaced where
necessary and re-laid. The central heating system was
renewed and new digital sensors were installed to
permit the more accurate control and monitoring of
the temperature of different parts of the historic
fabric. The stained glass windows were taken out, restored,
re-leaded and replaced.
At no time since Lord Perth took over Stobhall in
the 1950’s has any public money been used, nor
grants received, for the restoration or maintenance
of Stobhall. The only assistance from government has
been that Stobhall itself, and a Maintenance Fund for
its maintenance, have been conditionally exempted from
inheritance tax. The conditions are in essence that
Stobhall is looked after and that the public is allowed
access for 25 days during the summer. In 2004 the Chancellor
raised the rate of income tax that Maintenance Funds
have to pay from 34% to 40% - rather perverse given
the agreed public benefit of the maintenance of the
exceptional properties for which these funds have been
permitted to be set up.
During the 2004/5 programme of works, approximately £75,000
of VAT will have been paid to the government. This is
due to the strange policy whereby building a new bungalow
on a green field site is zero rated for VAT, but the
maintenance of Grade A listed (Grade 1 in England) properties
attracts the full 17.5% rate of VAT.
If you are interested in supporting privately owned
heritage properties you might like to consider becoming
a Friend
of the Historic Houses Association. This is a non-partisan
organisation the members of which are privately owned
historic properties. It exists both as a lobby group,
which attempts to make sure that the interests of historic
houses are represented to government, and as a collective
source of knowledge and information for owners of historic
houses who are often faced with very difficult conservation
and financial problems. As a Friend of the HHA you
also get free access to many properties, and access
to tours of houses which are not normally open to the
public, as well as parts of open houses which are not
normally open. Follow this link and click on the ‘For
Friends’ section for further information: www.hha.org.uk
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