THE scale of the task facing Mole Valley District Council inside Dorking's former public library has been revealed to the Advertiser in a special behind-the-scenes tour.
Pippbrook House was opened to the public on Thursday and Friday last week, as part of the annual Heritage Open Days event.
Click here to see a gallery of 21 photographs from inside Pippbrook House.The Grade II* listed building was a last-minute addition to the list of properties to be opened, as officers needed confirmation that a severe leak, which took place in 2012, had finally dried out and it was safe to admit the public.
Built as a private home for ironworks tycoon William Henry Forman, the Gothic Renaissance mansion was designed in 1856 by the celebrated architect Sir George Gilbert-Scott, designer of the Albert Memorial in London.
It was bought by the council in 1930 and used as offices, before being leased to Surrey County Council in the 1980s. The council used it as Dorking Library until two years ago.
The building's richly decorated interior remains almost entirely intact, with numerous painted ceilings – many incorporating Forman's initials – intricately carved details and cornices still seen in many rooms.
But with asbestos requiring removal from many areas, and the fabric under attack from dry rot, damp and stone decay, the building has become something of a headache for Richard Burrows, the council's corporate head of service.
He explained: "Neither MVDC nor Surrey County Council has an operational requirement for Pippbrook House and it currently costs about £50,000 per year to keep the building empty, aside from carrying out major repairs.
"To carry out key repairs to the fabric, to make the building wind and watertight, will cost in the region of £1.5 million.
"To restore the building so that it can be used is estimated to cost a further £2.5 to £3 million, dependent on the proposed use."
As a result, the future of the house and that of the whole Pippbrook complex is currently being weighed up by a working group.
Options being explored include complete refurbishment and sale for conversion to a housing, office and hotel development.
The release of the group's final report is expected within the next few months.
Mr Burrows added: "MVDC's executive remains committed to fully utilising our unique Pippbrook site.
"Likewise, we want to invest in Pippbrook so it represents value for money for the taxpayers of Mole Valley."
