The majority of the woodwork, although appearing to be in a bad state, has been preserved because of the quality of the 19th Century Scandinavian pine and linseed oil and paint used on it more than seventy years ago.

Before renovation.

The Interior of the glasshouse showing existing lead based linseed paint. This paint was last applied over 70 years ago in the 1930s.

Raw Linseed Oil is applied and then warmed using a heat gun. This ensures the oil penetrates into the wood effectively, and any old paint can be scraped off. It is important to strip back to the bare wood before applying linseed paints.

The rafters of the Fig House after being linseed oiled and spliced with new pieces of wood to replace rotten timber. Note the rich colour of the 129-year-old wood after its nourishment by the linseed oil.

The Peach House, after restoration and painted with "White" Linseed Paint.