Though the Gates HDR

Though the Gates HDR

County Durham had already begun to acquire parts of the property when in 1997 it determined to undertake the preservation of the property. A commissioned study in 1999 provided a detailed estimate of the expenses of restoration and also gave indication of the property's significance, which led to the Register of Parks and Gardens rating the property a II*. With assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the County purchased additional land from the gardens in 2001 and launched a restoration scheme to bring the garden back to its former condition. In addition, the garden includes a visitor centre, cafe, toilets, exhibition, classroom and office