An historic building at a north Shropshire beauty spot which was burned to the ground by arsonists is set to be rebuilt as part of a £35,000 project.

Work to rebuild the grade II-listed Hermitage at Hawkstone Park and Follies will begin this month and will take about eight weeks to complete.

The Hermitage dates back to the 18th century and was the home of the hermit Father Francis. 

Historical records show that he lived in reasonable comfort and was often to be found sitting bare foot at a table surrounded by a number of significant possessions – a look that was recreated when the Hermitage was first restored in 1993 and which will once again be replicated during this reconstruction.

The building was burned to the ground in an arson attack in March last year.

Contractors M Salt Building Conservation has been appointed to oversee and carry out the restoration. 

“We were devastated when the fire destroyed the Hermitage last year and have been keen to ensure that we rebuilt it to the exact specifications,” said David Sims, general manager of Hawkstone Park and Follies. 

“M Salt Building Conservation has many years of experience in the renovation of historic buildings, and was involved in the original restoration of the Follies and the 18th century parkland at Hawkstone in 1992/3. 

“The building will be restored to its 1993 state, complete with a new thatched roof, but with a slightly altered footprint at the front of the building to make it an even closer match to the original.”  

Hawkstone Park will be open to the public again for the February half-term.