10 March 2008: A historical site in Baswich has been brought back to life by Staffordshire-based property developer, Fresh Space.
This weekend saw the launch of the latest phase of St Thomas’ Priory development on the site of a former 12th Century Augustinian priory located off Baswich Lane just outside of Stafford. The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and the standing buildings on it have grade II listed status.
The site has been lovingly restored, building on its history and former glory, into a select development of 25 impressive new-build houses and refurbished barns providing much sought-after family and professional homes in the Staffordshire countryside. The new three and four-bedroom homes have been finished sympathetically in local materials and traditional craftsmanship to complement the historic site as well as the five conversions with standing remains dating from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
However, on the inside it has been strictly creature comforts including fully integrated Hatt designer kitchens, Villeroy and Boch bathrooms, ensuites and walk-in wardrobes. Outside the development sits in a secure complex with landscaped gardens and a minimum of two allocated parking spaces per home. There is also a large open space and some of the area’s best public walks.
Fresh Space carried out extensive ground and archaeological surveys to determine the extent of the Priory’s historical elements and worked closely with English Heritage and the conservation officer of Staffordshire Borough Council to deliver the planning permission for the development of the new and refurbished homes.
To celebrate the launch of the barn conversions, Fresh Space was joined by guests including the Mayor of Stafford, Councillor Brian Price, and Ian George, English Heritage inspector of ancient monuments.
Talking about the complex nature of the development, Ian George, comments:
‘It took some time to find a solution to bringing these historic buildings into a new use. Now that it has been done with such care and attention to detail the historic character has been retained of this very important historic place. This shows what can be achieved when historic sites and treasured buildings are developed in a sympathetic manner’.
Since the launch of the houses in November 2007 and with the barns now being released, volumes of visitors and general demand at St Thomas’ Priory have been bucking the general trend in the new build housing market.
However, progress on the development has not all been plain sailing – in large part due to the local wildlife. Firstly a bat roost was discovered in one of the original 16th century agricultural buildings. As bats and their roosts are protected this required some quick thinking and resulted in open garages rather than enclosed ones.
A little further in and a badger sett was discovered in a far corner of the site. Once again due to the Protection of Badgers Act, action was needed. Such was the interest in the badgers and their fate that Channel 4 TV’s ‘Wild Thing I Love You’, fronted by comedian and presenter Bill Bailey, took up the cause. This saw a new sett being built, about a quarter of a mile up the road on adjacent farmland to which the badgers finally migrated, happy in their new home.
The final unforeseen challenge came in the shape of one of the Priory’s former residents. Site worker, Kevin Johnson, came across an unexpected find when digging a trench for a water main on the periphery of the development site. Peering into the freshly dug hole he spotted what appeared to be human bones.
Immediately the police and a pathologist were called. Far from being a sinister turn of events, it was deduced that the skeleton had in fact been there for centuries and most probably belonged to one of the monks or workers from the Priory. The decision was therefore made to leave him quietly in peace and seal the grave.
Potential buyers will be pleased to know that no other skeletons have made an appearance on the main site!
As managing director of Fresh Space, Rob Rafferty, states:
“This is a rare opportunity to own a country home in an idyllic setting with a real sense of history, yet only minutes away from the centre of Stafford and main transport routes.
As a listed and a scheduled ancient monument, the site required very sensitive development, both technically and in appreciation of its historical significance. As a small developer, Fresh Space has specialized in this type of challenge.”
St Thomas’ barns have now been released to the market with final new build homes due for release in Spring 2008. Prices start from £265,000.
For more information on Fresh Space, visit www.fresh-space.com or call 01543 25 70 60.
Fresh Space old habits 1: (left to right) Mayor of Stafford, Councillor Brian Price, Ian George, Inspector of Ancient Monuments, English Heritage, Rob Rafferty, Fresh Space Group Managing Director, Kevin Johnson and Wayne Dukes, site operatives.
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