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Boughton Hall

Cheshire West and Chester

Project Details

£10m to £49.99M

Listed Building - Grade II

Practice

SDA Architects Limited

SDA Architects, Basilica , 2 King Charles Street , LEEDS , LS1 6LS

Boughton Hall is a Grade II listed building near Chester that dates back to the Seventeenth Century. Over the years the hall was extended and served as a private residence until it was bequeathed to Dr Barnardo’s who converted the property into a children’s home. It later became a hostel for children with emotional difficulties until it closed down in 1996. We worked in collaboration with Enterprise Heritage and Barnardo’s to transform the site into a luxury extra care village for the over 55’s, retaining Boughton Hall as the focal point of the site. The £12 million project included the complete refurbishment of the hall, as well as the construction of new residential blocks varying in size from 2 – 3 storeys. The investment would create 72 one and two bed apartments with central communal facilities including a restaurant, bar, commercial kitchen, gym and specialist medical rooms. As a Grade II listed building, it was important that a sensitive design solution was chosen. We also had to ensure that a significant number of its features were retained and that certain construction methods were adhered to. The proposals were supported by Chester City conservation officers and the planning authority. A perfect marriage between the built form and the landscaping has been achieved with a landscaped courtyard and a formal garden, providing the perfect setting for the listed building. Each apartment was made luxury with a high level of finishes specified throughout, along with the necessary requirements included for those requiring specialist help. Boughton Hall is now a fully occupied vibrant community. It has received a number of awards since its opening, including a Heritage Award from Chester City Council.