Pitchford Hall, a Tudor manor house in Shropshire dating back to 1560, has undergone a remarkable revival after decades of decline. The 42-room estate was held by the Colthurst family from 1473 until 1992, when financial difficulties forced the sale of the property. At that time, Caroline Colthurst, then owner, had sought to transfer the grade I listed house to the nation under English Heritage’s care in exchange for payment for its furniture, art, and antiques. However, the government declined the offer, leading to the sale of the hall to a Kuwaiti princess, who did not reside there and used the stables for a stud farm. The house subsequently fell into disrepair, and its original contents were auctioned off over three days at Christie’s.

Rowena Colthurst, then 19 years old and the daughter of Caroline, promised to one day reclaim her family home. In 2016, she and her husband, James Nason, a political lobbyist, purchased Pitchford Hall and its 76 acres for approximately £2 million. Recognizing the need for a sustainable financial model, the couple embarked on an extensive restoration project, initially focusing on the east wing where they now live with their three children. The west wing was later renovated to create holiday accommodation with seven bedrooms. Their efforts were supported by various philanthropists, heritage organizations, and their personal investment, totaling nearly £2 million in restoration costs. The work involved structural repairs, installation of modern plumbing and electrics, roof refurbishments, the removal of overgrown vegetation, and hiring skilled artisans for traditional craftsmanship.

Since reopening the estate, they have sought to recover lost furnishings and artifacts. Many original pieces bought at the 1992 auction have been returned, sold back, or loaned by private individuals moved by the story. Among the recovered items are 18th-century portraits, antiques bearing the Earl of Rosebery’s crest, and personal effects of former residents. Although some significant pieces, such as a notable 1822 painting of the third Earl of Liverpool’s racehorse by James Ward, remain out of reach, a Texan philanthropist has assisted in reacquiring this artwork. Other sought-after items include a rosewood dining table once used by Gladstone’s cabinet office and a pencil sketch by Queen Victoria.

The couple has diversified Pitchford Hall’s function to generate income and support ongoing maintenance, offering guided tours, hosting historical reenactments, festivals, pop-up restaurants, classical music recitals, and other cultural events. They also rent the converted stables out to artisan tenants. More recently, they have explored wellness retreat possibilities and intend to restore additional wings and historic features such as plunge pools and a 17th-century treehouse noted by Queen Victoria. Despite challenges like a collapsed Civil War-era tunnel and the dilapidated Victorian wing—estimated to require £400,000 in repairs—the couple remains committed to preserving the estate’s legacy.

At the same time, they have faced some tensions with modern interpretations of the hall’s past, notably expressing discomfort with a paranormal event aimed at energizing supposed spirits, which they felt was disrespectful. However, other spiritual experiences, like a drumming ceremony at an ancient well, provided a more meaningful connection to the home’s history.

Balancing their roles as custodians of a historic property with their professional lives, Nason and Colthurst split their time between Shropshire and London. They emphasize their mission to keep Pitchford Hall a “living history,” welcoming the support and encouragement of visitors and supporters. Their work reflects both the challenges and rewards of restoring a significant country estate with deep familial and cultural roots.