Historic Houses & Estates - Monthly Round-Up (September 2025)
“When we build, let us think that we build forever.”
John Ruskin, The Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849)
The big picture
September brought a real sense of energy to the heritage world. The spotlight was on Heritage Open Days, a nationwide celebration of history and culture that gave the public access to more than 5,800 free events. For many it was their first time stepping inside historic spaces that are usually closed or cost-restricted. The month also sparked wider conversations: how do we keep these moments of public connection alive year-round and how can estates adapt with creativity and resilience in the face of financial pressures?
Heritage Open Days: doors wide open
Heritage Open Days once again reminded us of the appetite people have for history. From medieval churches and Roman remains to country houses and working estates, the variety was staggering. Sites like the Roman Painted House in Dover welcomed new audiences while Strawberry Hill House used the opportunity to host its flower festival with a focus on sustainability.
The beauty of Heritage Open Days is that it democratises heritage - inviting people who might never have thought of visiting an estate or stately home to come and explore. For estates it is both a marketing opportunity and a community service. The challenge now: how to capture that interest and nurture it into a long-term relationship with visitors.
For the full story: Heritage Open Days
Free access for National Trust sites
Many National Trust properties that usually charge entry were opened for free during Heritage Open Days. This simple gesture brought in entirely new audiences - families, younger visitors and those who may feel heritage is “not for them.” For the Trust, it was a clear reminder of its dual role: conserving historic places while making them accessible to as broad a community as possible.
The question for the sector is whether moments like this can be expanded. Could more estates follow suit with seasonal open days, free entry initiatives or community-focused events that extend beyond September?
For the full story: National Trust — free access during HODs
Modern residencies in historic houses
A growing trend this month has been the rise of artist residencies in stately homes. Historic estates such as Belvoir Castle and Elveden Hall are offering space for artists, writers and makers to live and work on site. For the estates, this is more than hospitality - it’s about weaving contemporary creativity into historic settings, breathing new life into them and inviting audiences to see heritage as dynamic rather than static.
Residencies also help estates build cultural capital, diversify income and foster a deeper connection with the arts. They echo the days when great houses were patrons of musicians, painters and poets - but reinterpreted for the 21st century.
For the full story: Financial Times — Artist residencies in stately homes
Tax relief, exemptions & hidden value
Another major September headline was the revelation that over £1 billion worth of art, land and buildings have been protected from inheritance tax through the Conditional Exemption scheme. This little-known policy allows owners to defer tax if they maintain heritage assets and make them accessible to the public.
For estates, this is not just a tax loophole - it’s a vital mechanism that keeps treasures in situ, preserves landscapes and prevents forced sales. But it also raises questions of transparency: how well is the public informed about what’s accessible, and how can estates strike the balance between private stewardship and public benefit?
For the full story: Financial Times — Conditional Exemption scheme
Market whispers & property moves
While not always front page in heritage media, property trends ripple into the estate world. One theme that gained attention in September was the challenge of owning a listed home.
On the surface, these properties are dream purchases — Georgian symmetry, Tudor beams, sweeping driveways and centuries of history. Yet ownership comes with obligations that many new buyers underestimate:
Strict planning controls - Even minor changes, like replacing windows, repainting facades or altering interiors may require listed building consent.
Maintenance costs - Original materials, skilled craftsmanship and specialist conservation work mean repairs can be significantly more expensive than in modern homes.
Energy efficiency limits - Restrictions on double glazing, insulation or solar panels make it difficult to retrofit sustainability measures.
Insurance & liability - Premiums are higher and owners often take on responsibility for protecting heritage features in perpetuity.
But there are upsides too. Owners become custodians of a unique piece of history, often benefiting from tax reliefs, grants and the prestige of living in a nationally recognised building. For many the pride outweighs the inconvenience - and the stewardship of heritage becomes part of their identity.
For the full story: The Times — Old, beautiful … and a headache?
Dates for the diary & looking ahead
With Heritage Open Days behind us, October and the months ahead bring a different rhythm. Estates will now look towards winter programming, from seasonal markets and light festivals to conservation tours that reveal behind-the-scenes work. It’s also the time when heritage finance and taxation debates step into focus as estates plan strategies for the new year.
This seasonal pivot is a reminder that estates don’t just live in summer - they must find creative ways to remain relevant and attractive throughout the calendar.
Closing thought
September proved that people want to engage with heritage. They will flock to open doors, embrace cultural programming and respond to fresh ideas. The challenge now is to take that enthusiasm and turn it into sustainable, year-round engagement.
Just as John Ruskin reminded us, when we build - or conserve - we must think forever. The decisions estates make today about openness, creativity and community will shape the heritage landscape for generations to come.