Herringswell Manor built in 1901, is a listed Grade 2 manor house in Suffolk, which has endured a chequered history over the last few years including use as a Buddhist centre and then as a Japanese school.  The design for conversion to residential use, has been prepared in discussion with the planners, conservation department , and with the clients, City & Country. 

The mansion house itself is converted into ten flats, but without compromising the main panelled rooms.  The main entrance hall and stair, rising to the cupola above, remains as the entrance.  The coach house is converted to three units, and a Japanese temple, dating from the time of the religious use, is converted to a further four.

Together with other estate buildings, the development achieves 22 units.  A second phase converting former student accommodation is at design stage, bringing the total residential units to 50 in all.

The scheme has successfully brought together the design skills developed by the practice , combining conservation and working within historic fabric, as well as bringing contemporary design to a creative solution.  Where possible the design re-uses materials from the alteration works, to increase sustainability.   The scheme was completed in 2006.  

Client: City & Country

Value: Undisclosed