Sevenoaks in Kent is about to welcome a new high-end development; the final touches to the transformation of the stately home of Wildernesse House into a series of grand apartments, have just been added by lead architects Purcell. Yet this is no ordinary residential scheme; Wildernesse House is developer PegasusLife’s latest offering in the retirement market, making this one of the most luxurious properties in its field.
Purcell is behind the full restoration and renovation project, turning this Grade II Listed Georgian building (which can be traced back to the 13th and 14th-centuries) into 23 high-end retirement residences. The apartments are beautifully restored and richly kitted out with a mix of modern and heritage furniture, but this is not just about the residential interiors; the scheme has some top-notch amenities and common spaces to boot.
Services include spa facilities (comprising a swimming pool, therapy rooms and a gym) and communal, social spaces for the residents. The aim was to reflect the atmosphere of a traditional country estate. Original features, such as decorative plasterwork, fireplaces, joinery and ironmongery, were maintained and shown off throughout.
‘We took great care to subdivide the building into apartments with the minimum possible intervention’, says Purcell’s Graham Epking-Crane. ‘The project is a testament to Purcell’s ability to sympathetically adapt and transform a historic building for compatible modern use, ensuring its regeneration and survival for the future. Wildernesse House is now all set for the next chapter in its fascinating history’.
And while the main house, whose interiors have just been unveiled, offers a selection of one and two bedroom apartments of different layouts, the wider estate is set to also include eight brand new two-bedroom mews houses by Morris+Company, created in the location of a former stable block – the same architect who was also behind the new pavilion and restaurant on the grounds – so, watch this space... §
