A GRADE-I listed building which was destroyed in a devastating fire is to be turned into an ‘adventure wonderland inspired by Batman’ according to the new owner, in a restoration project which will create ‘hundreds’ of jobs.

James Perkins bought Parnham House, a 16th century Elizabethan manor near Beaminster and one of Dorset’s oldest stately homes, for £2.5 million in March 2020.

The new owner, former head of rave scene promoter Fantazia and restorer of historic houses, has ‘unbelievable ideas’ to turn the 38,000 sq ft derelict property into a destination where all ages can come, stay and enjoy the grounds while being immersed in theatre, food, drink and art in the ‘biggest challenge’ he has taken on.

Mr Perkins, 51, said: “The opportunity to work on a Grade-I listed building is exciting and I have unbelievable ideas for Parnham House.

“The main house is going to be a little bit inspired by Batman so it will have secret doors and I am also using the narrative of space travel and astrology to inspire the restoration.

“The idea is that the garden will have a wonderful restaurant and a small, intimate pub in the wall. There will also be a children’s area and space for an artist workshop, as well as actors performing immersive theatre so guests can be involved. It will be an adventure wonderland.

“This is the biggest challenge I have taken on but I want to bring some magic to Parnham.”

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

James Perkins

The property suffered catastrophic fire damage in a suspicious blaze in April 2017.

Its owner at the time, Michael Treichl, was questioned by police and was found dead in Geneva two months later in a suspected suicide.

Austrian-born financier Mr Treichl had spent 15 years restoring Parnham.

After the devastating fire Historic England placed the building on the ‘Risk Register’ in 2018 as it was at risk of collapse and the fate of the building was in question.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Parnham after the fire  Picture: Graham Hunt

It was announced last March that the sale of Parnham had been completed.

Since Mr Perkins purchased the property, two ceilings have fallen in.

Mr Perkins, who restored Anyhoe Park in Northamptonshire, a 28-bed mansion which has been a popular destination party house for weddings and celebrity events, aims to submit a full planning application to Dorset Council within the next few months.

He hopes to hold a ‘soft-opening’ launch party for Parnham House in the summer.

He said: “We are still several months away from submitting a full application, however, smaller applications will be submitted in around two weeks.

“By next summer, 60 guests will be able to stay overnight and within two years we will have made huge progress.

“We will create hundreds of jobs for local people from gardeners and scaffolders to chefs and actors.”

A spokesman for Historic England said: “We are working alongside the owner to identify a programme of works to secure the fire-damaged parts of Parnham House in the short term, while long-term plans for its restoration are discussed.

“We will continue to provide this advice to the owner and his team, and will respond to any applications as and when they are submitted.

“Given the importance of the house and its inclusion on our Heritage at Risk Register we are keen to help secure a future for this very special Grade I listed building.”