York House in Penzance, Cornwall, is a Grade II listed building constructed in 1825 as a rural home for John Pope. Over the years, York House has served various purposes: In 1929, it became the West Cornwall School for Girls, and later, in 1974, it was repurposed as offices for the Penwith District Council. We have transformed the Grade II listed late Georgian building and its equestrian stables into 11 elegant one and two-bedroom apartments.
The project began back in 2017 alongside the construction of the wider St. Clare housing development. The building was to become the centrepiece of the development, inspiring the surrounding material palette and design choices. The objectives of the restoration were to preserve the building’s rich heritage while adapting it for contemporary living. This involved meticulous restoration to maintain original architectural features, such as traditional sash windows and granite façades, while integrating modern amenities and energy-efficient designs.
Three Winning Facts:
- The project sought to revitalise the historic structure, contributing to the local community by providing high-quality housing and ensuring the building’s legacy continues into the 21st century.
- The restoration preserved the original character and proportions of the historic structure, employing traditional craftsmanship from stonemasons to traditional decorative plasterers, metalworkers, and artisan joiners.
- In February 2018, a fire damaged a significant proportion of the property, closely followed by the theft of the roofing leadwork, resulting in additional extensive efforts having to be made before restoration could take place thereafter.
