With the restoration, extension and alterations well underway at the Willoughby Almshouses in Cossall, you can now see how the modern extensions complement the historic fabric of the building sited in the heart of Cossall.
One of the biggest threats to listed building in the UK is the maintenance and repair cost. The Willoughby Almshouses are a Grade II* which sits them in the most valuable 8.3% of listed buildings in the UK. However after years in decline as underfunded sheltered housing they had been left in need of comprehensive restorations.
Originally built in 1685 by George Willoughby to house 4 poor men and 4 poor women, the almshouses had been in continued use as sheltered housing, managed by various charities. Due to the small room sizes and the lack of sanitary accommodation, the Almshouses were extended around the start of the 20th century with small flat roofed extensions to the rear, each housing a bathroom and minimal kitchen. However each house was still undersized and eventually the charities managing the houses couldn’t afford the upkeep.
We were approached to help bring this valuable building back in to use due to our experience in dealing with heritage projects and listed buildings. After a restoration appraisal and financial review of the building it was decided the best way to fund the restoration was to combine the 8 undersized single resident dwellings into 4 family homes. Family homes would also be well suited for the location in the attractive and highly desirable village of Cossall. The proposed works consist of minimal changes to the original building but would also include the removal of the 1920s/1930s works and addition of new extensions, which would house more generous modern spaces to complement the smaller rooms within the original footprint.
To find out more about our experience with heritage projects or to enquire about or drone survey services please feel free to contact us at 0115 922 9831 or by filling out our online form
