Royal Leamington Spa, located in the heart of South Warwickshire, has recently been named the `3rd best place to live in the UK’* and the `Happiest place to live in the UK'**. The town is characterised by dramatic Regency architecture, delightful gardens and picturesque bridges across the River Leam.

 

Often described as ‘the best bits of London, all in a ten-minute walk’, Leamington town centre, with its impressive 

entertainment venues, choice of restaurants and a delectable mix of top quality shopping - it is not surprising that Leamington Spa is one of the most appealing towns in the UK.

 

Close to the town centre, just across the River Leam, is Avenue Road. On this wide, tree lined boulevard, flanked by imposing Georgian and Victorian Villas, sits Buckland House. The building is is barely a 5 minute walk from the railway station and 7 minute walk from the town centre, making it convenient, yet not too close to either.

 

Buckland House was built in the gothic revival style of mid 1800’s, in stark contrast to the surrounding properties, which are predominantly classic Victorian Villas. This distinctive design makes Buckland House rather unique, is often referred to as a local landmark.

 

During the 1920’s, Buckland House was extended from the original Victorian footprint, to include a new kitchen, scullery and additional bedrooms upstairs. However by the latter half of the 20th Century, it was considered too large to be a family residence, and the property was converted into a boutique hotel - requiring considerable internal configuration. All these modifications have left their mark on this statuesque building – which the developers hope to address, as restore the building to its original grandeur.

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The Development team have invested considerable resources in researching the property, and identifying its many period features. These are being protected during the conversion, and will be refurbished during restoration. Where possible, damaged pieces will be replaced. The objective is for the new owners to take custody of this sympathetically restored, piece of Leamington history.

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The property has been well preserved, and certain features remain intact or repairable. Among these is the chambered,

subterranean wine cellar, original bell pulls, dark wood entrance with etched glass panels, recessed window shutters, a gothic window, imposing staircase with wood grain newels and an original etched glass sash window. Careful restoration is underway that will allow these to be brought back to their former glory.

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The majority of windows at the property had been changed to plastic. These are being painstakingly refurbished, with wooden sash and casement windows which will reflect the true style the property. To further enhance their appearance, shutters with architraves will be renewed in those windows where privacy is required. Other features were more intact - wonderful wooden floors, an original art deco window and cornices in the main hall have remained largely unaffected. Another interesting discovery made during the restoration, were the fire places on the Ground and First Floors that had been hidden for years behind plaster walls. These are being carefully refurbished to bring out their character and reinstate the sense of grandeur to the rooms. Sadly, there were other features at Buckland House were in such a poor state, that they could not be salvaged.

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Internally, the flats have been stripped to brickwork and carefully refurbished, keeping comfort and technology at the forefront. Externally, the property benefits from a complete ‘face lift’, with 'new' finials and flashing. Unfortunately, the iron railings which were taken for the war effort during World War II, were not permitted to be reinstated, and instead the perimeter will be defined by a yew hedge. Security features such as fire curtains, gates, motion sensors, fire alarms and video phone entry systems are provided as standard.

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While retaining the period features and preserving the character of the property has been the challenge, focus has been kept on modernising the apartments to meet today's requirement. To make the apartments fit with the needs of today's new owners: technology based engineering, sound proofing, home media provisions have been installed. Gardens have been provided for all the Ground Floor and Basement Flats. Allocated parking is available with each flat, as well as visitor parking.

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As the conversion works come to an end, the developers are proud to have had the opportunity to restore Buckland House, and look forward to handing over its custody, as a new phase in its history begins.

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* The Times list of 30 Best Place to Live in the UK, 2015 ** Rightmove Survey 2017