Factories, churches, convents, and workers’ residences: Listed building transformation stories

By Vikki Rushbrook Insurance Advisor

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Many of the residential buildings that now have a listed property status have a notable backstory in terms of previous usage. From industrial age factories and warehouses to previous places of worship and former schools, there is a host of historical tales built into bricks, mortar, and the occasional thatched roof. We take a closer look at some of these extraordinary buildings, from where they began to what’s happening within them right now.

1. Furnival House, Highgate, London

With panoramic views across London and sitting atop one of the highest points in north London, Furnival House – now a covetable des-res apartment block – is very much an estate agent’s marketable dream. Its original purpose, however, was based on a more socially progressive vision. Constructed between 1916 and 1919 by Joseph Henry Pitt, it was intended to be a hostel for the female domestic staff of the Prudential headquarters. The location of Highgate was not only commutable to the Holborn office, but set in a leafy area, giving residents the opportunity to breathe in clean air and providing an elegant sanctuary from the more polluted London streets.

The original Edwardian baroque façade, which still remains, includes the circular stone portico in the entrance bay, Ionic columns, and even a circular cartouche with the Prudential’s coat of arms within it. This decorative theme continues through to the entrance hall, with grand plastered ceilings and some further original features which still contain evidence of the Prudential’s patronage. This was very much in keeping with the theme during these years of generous benevolence while still ensuring the benefactor’s identity and corporate imagery was reflected in every feature.

It may have been a while since Grade II listed Furnival House was used for its original intention, but the majority of the eye-catching features remain intact and are still admired by today’s residents and visitors.

2. The Old Church House in Cold Hanworth, Lincolnshire

While the concept of converting a church (once it’s been officially deconsecrated, of course) into a residential property is not unusual, there are those that contain more historical features than others. The Old Church House, nestled in the Lincolnshire fens, for example, is definitely a building that has lived at least two lives. Plus, the more ghostly third one that is less visible to the human eye!

There are so many original elements of the limestone church it once was, it’s hard to know what to highlight first. Built relatively recently in the 19^th Century but in a High-Victorian Gothic style, the impressive spire, altar, and tessellated flooring are all integrated into this property, along with stained glass windows and woodwork. Vaulted and beamed ceilings, carefully crafted masonry of both angels and gargoyles, mahogany staircases, and arched windows reflect both a spiritual feel and how this building was once the centre of an East Anglian community. Now marketed as for residential use and fully modernised where regulations allow, we can only imagine what it must be like to live in this very striking Grade II listed property.

You can view the home and its listing here, on Historic England.

3. Terry’s Clock Tower and Factory, York

As much a part of York’s history as the Vikings, Terry’s (formerly Terry’s of York) was very much the beating commercial heart in the late 18th-20th century. Home to where the delicious chocolate and confectionary was produced was the factory and offices, as well as the water tower, clock tower, and boiler house. This particular Terry’s factory estate built in 1924 replaced former premises, and all five of the Art Deco-style main buildings are Grade II listed. It’s worth noting that the original headquarters was also granted a blue plaque, and while the subsequent Clementhorpe was demolished, the Roman mosaic floor that was unearthed is now preserved in the Yorkshire Museum.

Back to the main story. After a number of company resales, planning permission was gained in 2010 to convert the main factory into both commercial units and apartments, and these quickly garnered a reputation for being among the most sought-after properties in the city. It’s estimated that this renovation project cost £165 million, while the factory redevelopment alone reached a total spend of £38 million.

4. The Convent, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

Another place that’s undergone a religious conversion is The Convent in Woodchester, a Grade II listed property close to Stroud. Built in the 17th century as a home for nuns and previously named Poor Clares, its most recent incarnation was as a luxury boutique hotel and music venue.

In terms of its original purpose, architect Charles Hansom added the central convent structure and vaulted chapel in 1850 (which is where the music venue is housed), and a further separate guest house was built 20 years later. It remained as a home to the sisters until 2011 when the convent officially closed.

There are several stand-out original features that tell the convent’s story, including stained glass windows, stone floors, ashlar chimneys and repurposed pews and other period furniture. All of which added character and uniqueness to the hotel that still exists today. As well as the fourteen guest bedrooms, there’s also a restaurant, music venue, and even a recording studio.

It may be thought that The Convent’s days in its present format are numbered. At the time of writing, the whole 35,839 square foot property was on the market for £4 million, with room and permission for further guest suites.

5. Kennington Water Tower, Kennington, south London

Completing this list is one of the most audacious properties to have ever been featured on Grand Designs. The 10-storey-high Kennington Water Tower was constructed in the Victorian age around 150 years ago and was noted for being the supplier of water to the Lambeth workhouse where a young Charlie Chaplin and his mother spent several years, alongside 800 other impoverished families. Not only did the water tower dominate the south London skyline, but it had the capacity to pump out water to whole swathes of the surrounding areas, making it the model of late 19th century industrial advancement.

Despite the history contained within, until 2010, the Grade II listed building was pretty much a derelict and overlooked site. It was at this point that a property developer and his partner espied the tower from their nearby rented apartment and made the bold move to purchase it for £380,000, with the intention of undertaking a large-scale transformation into a residential property.

You can check the water tower out here.

This passion project was closely followed by the Grand Designs cameras and came at a cost of £2 million – far exceeding the couple’s original budget. The completed building – which has changed hands a number of times since completion – not only includes a double layered glass cube exterior casing, but also what is claimed to be the largest set of glass sliding doors in Europe. And it was this heady mix of the old, new, and a nail-biting “will they complete it?” conclusion, that made this such a memorable episode. In fact, we have no doubt Charlie Chaplin himself would have made a great film about it, if he were around now.

As there are so many unusual conversions still to cover, we’ll be returning to this topic soon, looking at a further factory, a former schoolhouse, and even a power station. Until then, if you’re thinking about purchasing a listed property and want to ensure you have the correct insurance for your own slice of history, click here for a quote, or speak to a specialist at Abode Insurance today on 01622 476 433.