Ivydene, a large Victorian house, was encased in unsightly scaffolding and ruin for almost a decade. Situated in a prime location on the Iffley Road, Ivydene was built by the renowned Architect G.T. Sessions in 1884 but in recent years has been widely considered a blight to the Conservation area. Riach Architects were instructed by client, W. Lucy and Co., to resolve the future of the building and after negotiations with local Planning and Conservation Officers gained consent for the extensive alteration and refurbishment of the property to create nine apartments. Whilst the high quality accommodation is designed to meet the requirements of modern day life and Eco/energy efficiency, the facade has been sensitively restored and enhanced by repairing much of its original features, incorporating new timber sash windows and repairing the unique natural stone detailing. A two-storey side extension serves to compliment the historic facade through similar architectural detailing and the purpose-built rear extension makes full use of contemporary building materials.