The Brief –  To convert the existing Grade II Listed offices into a five/six bedroom family home with a separate self contained unit within the basement which has flexible use as either a holiday let for paying guests or as an annex for family members.  Internally the property should be converted with minimal intervention and alterations in order to retain as much of the original historic fabric and layout.    

 

 

The History: The main property of Leslie House forms an impressive town house in the heart of Helston and was originally built in 1810 for a wealthy tin merchant.  During the Second World War, the property was requisitioned for use by the Women’s Land Army.  In the late 20th century, it was then owned by the Council and used as the local unemployment exchange until it was bought by the current owner in 1989.   

 

 

The Design: The proposed restoration and conversion of the offices is to be achieved both sympathetically and sustainably with the aim of both enhancing and conserving the historic building within its sensitive location. At ground level, the rooms will be re-configured to from a formal Lounge and Dining room with a large open plan Kitchen/Diner as well as a ground floor Shower Room and Snug or ground floor Bedroom. 

 

At first floor level, a Master Bedroom has been formed with Ensuite and Dressing Room.  There will be a second bedroom with ensuite as well as two further bedrooms and separate family bathroom.  There is also an office for occupants to work from home. 

 

The basement will form a self-contained private unit which has flexible use as either a holiday let or to be used as an annex for family members.  Access to the unit is either via stairs from the kitchen or from the rear garden.  The basement has been re-configured to form a Kitchen with island unit, Dining area and Lounge.  There will be a Master Bedroom with Ensuite and Dressing Room. 

 

Externally the property enjoys both front and rear private walled gardens as well as parking for up to 5 cars, an essential requirement in the centre of Helston. 

 

 

Our involvement: Project work undertaken by CAD included a full measured survey of the existing buildings, design concept and sketch schemes as well as full planning and listed building consent.  To accompany the applications, CAD undertook a full structural survey and report, an historical appraisal of the existing property as well as a heritage impact statement of the proposed scheme all of which are required for consent to be granted. 

 

The resultant scheme will convert and restore a historically significant building in the heart of Helston to form a wonderful family home with a self contained private holiday let and annex within the Grade II listed property.   The scheme will be undertaken to the highest standards using high quality materials which complement the existing historic house and which will promote tourism and provide jobs within the Cornish community.

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We engaged Tim to help us get permission to return a Georgian Townhouse, which had been our office, back to being a residence. He listened to our proposals and added to them with a sensitive ear and a practical eye. He was easy to work with, straightforward and honest in his guidance and met the deadlines. We would not hesitate to recommend Tim.

Simon Tregoning - Classic Cottages. (May 2022)

 

Completion – Awaiting commencement