etc Design Ltd were approached by Berrys property and business consultants to evaluate the most suitable and viable options for bringing back into use the now redundant Dower House School. Owned by the National Trust this grade II listed Dower House with walled garden also included; an adjoining cottage, a two storey stable building and rear yard with Coach House.

It was concluded that the most sustainable use for the Dower House and outbuildings would be to refurbish and convert them to 7 individual rentable dwellings of a variety of sizes, to cater for a broad section of the market place. 

The main Dower House was divided into 2 exclusive four storey properties with existing oak panelled walls, doors, shutters and staircases which were fully restored throughout. The walled garden was also subdivided to provide private rear gardens for the Dower House tenants.

The adjacent three storey cottage layout was remodelled and the main feature fire place brought back into use. The final design featured a fully fitted kitchen & dining area, overlooking a paved yard to the rear.

The two storey stable building was converted into 2 dwellings in which one retained the original stable stalls and a brick floor to include the kitchen and stairs to first floor. 

The Coach House was divided into 2 single storey properties with full height ceilings in the kitchen, dining & living areas and exposed timber roof trusses, complete with access to a rear lawned garden.

Key to this project was not only the conservation and preservation of the buildings exterior but also restoring the historic internal fabric which had been badly affected by previous uses. A particular light touch was needed to breath new life into the building whilst preserving its unique character.

Appointed directly by the National Trust, etc Design Ltd provided a full architectural service which included; feasibility and concept designs, obtaining planning and listed building consent, building regulation approvals, tender and contract procedures, administering the building contract and handover.