A historic building in Coventry has welcomed visitors for the first time in its 600-year history. The city's Grade I listed Charterhouse has been turned into a visitor attraction by Historic Coventry Trust, which rescued the 14th century monastery after it was put up for sale more than a decade ago.

Charterhouse is the only Carthusian monastery in the country to survive with intact interiors. The building features three restored wall paintings of national importance and is set in 70 acres of parkland - plus it will also shortly become home to a new café/bar operated by Michelin-star chef Glynn Purnell called Purnell’s at Charterhouse.

The new visitor attraction will include displays charting the site’s long history as well as the relandscaped monastic inner precinct, now a walled garden. The Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands and the Lord Mayor of Coventry officially opened the building at a reception on March 30. A ceremonial key was handed to residents, partners and members of Historic Coventry Trust which led £12m of fundraising and restoration work.

Read more: Rare photos of Coventry's past unearthed for digital archive

Ian Harrabin, founder and chair of Historic Coventry Trust, said: “This is quite a momentous day after a decade of work from local people, Historic Coventry Trust, Coventry City Council and others, in not only ensuring this fantastic building was saved, but also bringing it back to life for the benefit of local people and visitors from across the country.

“The effort has really united local people who have worked tirelessly to make sure we reached this point and I cannot thank everyone enough for everything they have done. We look forward to welcoming people from Coventry, Warwickshire and across the UK to come and see what has been achieved and to enjoy an asset that we are really lucky to have here in Coventry.”

While Historic Coventry Trust was initially formed to save Charterhouse, it also reached a deal with Coventry City Council which has allowed it to restore more of the city’s heritage. The two gatehouses in the city wall and a row of half-timbered cottages have been restored and are now available as accommodation.

Drapers’ Hall, which had lain empty for decades, is now a music centre, while London Road Cemetery – designed as an arboretum by Joseph Paxton the architect of London’s Crystal Palace – is now connected to Charterhouse to add to the visitor experience.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Ian Harrabin and Anne Cranston outside Charterhouse
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Ian Harrabin and Anne Cranston outside Charterhouse

The trust has also worked on reviving the historic high street of the Burges and the creation of a new riverside square is due to start this summer. Mr Harrabin added: “This is a great example of what can be done when you have a pool of committed, dedicated residents, a local authority which is prepared to think outside the norm and some very generous and supportive partners and funders. That combination can achieve great things, and that is what has happened here.”

Robyn Llewellyn, director for England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are proud to have supported Historic Coventry Trust with a grant of £6 million for the major refurbishment and reopening of this significant site, thanks to funds raised by National Lottery players. Charterhouse is an important part of Coventry’s heritage, and this community focus will help celebrate the town's rich history in a way that everyone can enjoy and be proud of.”

The garden at Charterhouse
The garden at Charterhouse

Louise Brennan, Historic England’s regional director for the Midlands, said: “Charterhouse is a hidden gem in Coventry and Historic England has been able to contribute funding of £830,000 to support the repair and re-opening by Historic Coventry Trust. I’m delighted that Charterhouse will be opening its doors to the public again, so everyone can enjoy its history, buildings and gardens.”

Charterhouse is open from Thursdays to Sundays as well as Bank Holiday Mondays and Wednesdays during the school holidays from 10am until 4pm. Visit historiccoventrytrust.org.uk to book.

Tickets give visitors re-admission for 12 months and there are discounts for people living in Coventry who have GoCV passes. Essential carers and children aged four and under go free.

Read next: