A £1.7 million renovation scheme which has transformed two Grade II listed buildings in County Durham into high quality sheltered housing, including an impressive five-bedroom property suitable for shared living, is now complete.
Grade II listed Thornley House and Shincliffe House are situated on the site of a former medieval hospital in Durham and form part of the Sherburn House Charity Estate.
The project has delivered 14 self-contained flats for over 55s, this includes 12 sheltered accommodation and two general needs flats, which are available for affordable rent. A five-bedroom home has been created which is suitable for adults who could benefit from communal living with a home-from-home atmosphere.
Delivered for Sherburn House Charity by Esh Construction, the scheme was supported with £560,000 grant funding from Homes England via the Government’s Affordable Homes Programme.
Prior to the renovation some units were rendered unlettable. Now, each apartment boasts a luxurious living space, each with their own shower room, open plan living area and kitchen. A communal dining and lounge area, as well as an external courtyard, provides the opportunity for residents to relax in the company of others.
Pauline Bishop, Chief Executive of Sherburn House Charity, said: “The transformation of the almshouse properties is incredible and now fits perfectly with the high quality refurbishment of our care home. We are proud to present these modern apartments for future generations of older people who live in, or have a connection to Durham. It is wonderful to see these properties restored to peak condition and back in use. Interest in the properties has been very high and we expect all units will be occupied by the end of the summer.
Colin Ford, Construction Director at Esh Construction, said: “Esh has worked on the Sherburn House estate throughout the past five years, firstly delivering the major transformation of Beddell House, and then the refurbishment of Thornley House and Shincliffe house.
“Together with the client, consultant team, sub-contractors and suppliers, we have regenerated these heritage buildings to provide fantastic accommodation for people in later life. As a local contractor, we’re proud to have played our part.”
The latest development forms part of a five-year renovation programme on the Sherburn House Estate, with the refurbishment of Beddell House, a 55-bed residential home, completing in 2020. Beddell House features a high-end, hotel style décor and a non-institutional design that removes the stigma associated with care homes.
Esh Construction worked in partnership with Edwards Architecture, Elliott Associates and J Humphrey & Partners Limited to deliver the scheme.
Esh has worked on the Sherburn House estate throughout the past five years, firstly delivering the major transformation of Beddell House, and then the refurbishment of Thornley House and Shincliffe house. Together with the client, consultant team, sub-contractors and suppliers, we have regenerated these heritage buildings to provide fantastic accommodation for people in later life. As a local contractor, we’re proud to have played our part.”
