Old stables could become new houses

UNTOUCHED for more than a century, one of Felixstowe's most historic buildings is set to get a makeover that will turn it into desirable homes.

Residents have been eagerly waiting to see what the new owners would do with the former stable block and coach house in Bath Road.

Now Roseberry Property Development Company has submitted a planning application to transform the solidly-built Victorian block into six homes.

Don Baker, of Roseberry Properties, bought the property at auction last November for £336,000, and is likely to spend as much again in the refurbishment project, which will net his company a tidy profit.

The firm are experts in converting listed and historic buildings and were behind the acclaimed conversion of the clifftop mansion Cranmer House, built originally for the Cobbold brewing family.

The mansion, part of the old Felixstowe College, and like the stables also designed by architect Thomas Cotman, was turned into five luxury homes – and Mr Baker liked the development so much that he bought one himself.

Suffolk Coastal council will decide if the stable and coach house conversion can go ahead and will be looking to ensure the character of the building is maintained. Planners had indicated they would be happy for it to be used either as one huge family home, or as houses or apartments, or a terrace of mews offices with living accommodation above.

The grade two listed stable block was built in 1892 as part of the Bath Hotel, which was burned down by suffragettes in 1914 during their protests to gain the vote for women.

Since then it has had little use except for storage, although it is in exceptionally good state of repair. Its 16 rooms, cloakroom and entrance hall boast 6,737 sq ft and its site is almost a fifth of an acre.

It was sold at auction by Felixstowe Lawn Tennis Club to help pay for the refurbish of its pavilion and grounds, and went for more than club members had dared hoped for.