Go back to school… this time in style
ESTATE agents love taking on “conversions” – it allows them to market the “authenticity” of a property. But what does a conversion actually offer
buyers?
One of the advantages, says Anup Pankhania of Jaspar Group, a property conversions business, is that “you’ve got a spectacular spaces you’d never get anywhere else”. He’s referring to features like high, vaulted ceilings and original craftwork found in old chapels and Victorian-era schools. But you need to make sure the developer that took over the building knew what they were doing: “The buildings are almost ill when they come to us and we’ve got to give a lot of TLC to get them back up to scratch,” he says.
One should also remember that converted properties still exist in their original setting and style. A brochure for a “warehouse conversion” might sound classy but if you don’t like retro industrial-style architecture, it might actually look like little more than a drab brick building.
Buyers of conversions need to be prepared to revel in the quirky aspects of living in one, like mezzanine bedrooms and exposed brick walls. Conversions without these features are unlikely to hold their value as historical buildings. Simon Stone, of estate agent Davey Stone, says: “There’s nothing more soul-destroying than going to see a conversion and finding that it has fully-plastered walls. When a developer doesn’t give any character, it’s a bit of a let-down. If you’re going to go for a conversion, definitely make sure you’ve got some original brick-work and floorboards.”
And though it might take some searching, there is no need to settle: England has no shortage of beautiful old buildings.
CONVERSIONS | TIPS
Be aware that heating costs can be high in older conversions – all that exposed brick can have its price.
Even more than with other buys, it is important to have a full survey done on a converted property to make sure there are no nasty maintenance surprises.
In particular, check the roof is watertight.
THE GALLERIES, BRENTWOOD
Price: £250,000 to £499,950
These Grade II listed Victorian hospital buildings have been converted into a collection of high quality apartments. Each has a bespoke kitchen featuring integrated stainless steel appliances. Contact: 01277 202 122. www.the-galleries.net
OLD COACH HOUSE, TOWER?BRIDGE
Price: £1.6m
This 1,912 sq ft coach house conversion retains all its original character but with modern fittings. The freehold property retains beautiful vaulted wooden ceilings. Contact: 020 7407 3173. www.hamptons.co.uk
ARCADIAN PLACE, PUTNEY
Price: £575,000
Previously Wandsworth Boys’ School, this 1930s building was refurbished to comprise a series of stunning two-bedrooms maisonettes split over two floors, with access to courtyard gardens. Contact: 020 8780 0077. www.hamptons.co.uk
OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, London Fields
Price: £449,995
This apartment in a Victorian school conversion features a mezzanine bedroom that makes the most of the high ceilings and huge windows. The exposed brickwork and feature radiators add to the charm.
Contact: 020 7275 7505. www.daveystone.com
THE CHAPEL, WIMBLEDON
Price: £1,299,950
This converted chapel, lovingly restored by specialists Jaspar Group, features a mezzanine bedroom with its bed set against the old church organ and modern fittings built around the original pews. It also has a private patio garden. Contact: 020 8946 0026. www.knightfrank.com