THE JUDGES' REPORT

Russells House, Watford – Bronze Award for Best Development

'The key to the success of this unusual development has been the skillful integration of the new buildings with the sensitive refurbishment of an 18th Century Grade II listed House. Unlike so many other schemes, this development has been designed with well proportioned elevations and plans In addition, the use of quality materials, good workmanship throughout and attention to detail ensured that this project stood out from the crowd; the developer and their consultants should be congratulated on producing a highly commendable scheme on a potentially difficult site'

Extract from the judges' report, What House? Award

Grade II Listed ‘Russells House’ is set in 3.5 acres of mature landscape, which included three impressive 300 year old Lebanon Cedars. Originally part of a much larger estate the house was constructed in the 18th century for the Dowager Countess of Essex and was an important example of the ‘Villa’ style.

Unfortunately after a varied past the house was completely devastated by fire in 1988 and subsequently placed on the Local Council’s ‘At Risk’ register. It remained derelict for a further 10 years progressively deteriorating and was considered for demolition. We subsequently acquired the house, obtained permission to convert it into 10 new homes, and restored the house to its former glory, carefully recreating many of the ‘lost’ original features.

The property won a Bronze Award for ‘Best Development’, in the What House? Awards 2000.