Those who love historic buildings will be excited to learn about the conversion of a stunning 150-year-old former school in Worcester into a luxurious retirement village
St Mary’s Convent which closed in 2014, is being refurbished and transformed by Enterprise Retirement Living (ERL) to provide extensive communal facilities and 106 exquisite and unique apartments.
The Grade II* listed main house and stable block are being converted into a restaurant, bar, gym and salon as well as individual homes.
The Gatehouse and Gardener’s Cottage are being renovated and new-build apartments are being added to the mix within the 15-acre grounds.
ERL’s other two retirement villages – Boughton Hall in Chester and The Red House in Ripon – were similarly sensitively restored historic buildings.
ERL prides itself on preserving the heritage and character of architectural treasures and making them fit for the future.
Things are no different at Mount Battenhall, as the school at Worcester is now known.
Many of the original features of the Italianate mansion are being retained and being meticulously brought back to their former glory.
These include internal marble floors, iron heating grates, wood panelling, fireplaces, Anaglypta wallpaper, plasterwork, stained glass windows, artwork and chandeliers.
Specialist roofers and expert stonemasons are working on preserving the internal and external walls and balustrades.
The result will be a stunning piece of history given a new lease of life for many years to come.
Such preservation work is only part of ERL’s commitment to creating stunning retirement communities.
The sites it chooses have not only beautiful buildings deserving of perpetuation, but also grounds and gardens which are carefully planned and landscaped to offer havens for both the retired inhabitants and a rich variety of wildlife.
Pathways are created for nature walks no matter your fitness level or mobility, with lush lawns and secluded relaxation areas.
There are also planted areas giving year-round colour and attracting a bees, butterflies and other insects.
There are raised garden beds for the green-fingered; and established mature trees affording canopies of greenery and refuges for a wide variety of native birds.
Mount Battenhall currently has nesting sparrowhawks, nuthatches and woodpeckers, while special boxes have been built to protect the habitat of the resident bats.
Work has also begun on clearing undergrowth to allow a number of ancient trees to breathe and flourish without damage, and specialist horticulturists are restoring the formal gardens for all to enjoy.
For more information on Mount Battenhall Retirement Village, which anticipates welcoming its first occupants towards the end of this year, contact 01905 630296 or visit www.mountbattenhall.co.uk.
