The renovation of Bentley Priory, which will see the 57-acre Grade II* Listed estate restored to its former glory, and delivery of a museum and improved visitor attraction, has come a step closer this week; with City & Country Group having now completed on the purchase of the 17th century mansion house; one of the most important buildings of the Battle of Britain and the Second World War.
City & Country Group, the award-winning restoration and conservation specialist, will create exclusive homes in the historically significant 17th century mansion house at RAF Bentley Priory, which formerly served as the officers’ mess. Alongside eight luxury new apartments, which will blend with and enhance the original fabric of the mansion, City & Country Group will also ensure the delivery of a museum for the Battle of Britain Trust, under plans developed by the Bentley Priory Trust.
Helen Moore, Managing Director City & Country Group Residential, commented: “We are delighted that we will be able to use our skills and expertise to deliver the restoration and conservation of Bentley Priory, not only through the provision of a range of highly exclusive apartments but even more importantly through providing the museum, which will serve as a permanent memorial to those who served in the Royal Air Force and during the Battle of Britain. Bentley Priory is an extremely significant British landmark with vast historical importance and we plan to take a sympathetic and understanding approach to ensure its survival for future generations.”
Helen continues: “Our team of dedicated specialists have the sensitivity, imagination and flair required to create homes that will enhance this beautiful building and the environment in which it is set.”
A selection of nine one, two and three bedroom apartments and four duplex units will be created by City & Country Group in the mansion house at Bentley Priory, each of which will benefit from a combination of period style, original features and elegant contemporary interiors. Three striking houses will be created from a further detached listed building as well as eight further two and three bedroom apartments in the adjoining Hamilton Wing. The mansion house has been home to several notable residents during its lifetime including Queen Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, Queen Consort of William IV and John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Abercorn. Distinguished visitors include Sir Walter Scott, Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Winston Churchill.
City & Country Group will also reinstate and restore the Grade II Registered Italian Gardens and the nineteenth century parterre to the south of the mansion, which will afford serene and far-reaching views across north London, with St Paul’s Cathedral visible in the distance.
In order to assist future generations in acknowledging and recognising the sacrifices made, the museum, which is expected to open in 2012, will interpret the history of the site, guarantee public access to the most significant areas of the site and create a valued educational resource for visitors.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Brian Burridge Chairman of the Bentley Priory Battle of Britain Trust said: “For the Trust, it has taken five long years to reach this point but we are now delighted to be working alongside City & Country to make our vision a reality. Bentley Priory is an iconic building in three respects: it is an architectural masterpiece; a symbol of the Nation’s social history; and, it was Dowding’s headquarters during the Battle of Britain. While victory at Trafalgar saved England, victory in the Battle of Britain saved the world. City & Country have an enviable track record in sensitive heritage restoration. In partnership together, we can do real justice to Bentley Priory’s rich history for the benefit of future generations.”