Restoration brings life back into georgian mansion

Submitted by on Thu, 8.05.08

Basement windows that haven't seen the light of day for almost half a century are being brought back into use at a Grade-II listed Georgian mansion house.

 

The windows are among several hidden gems being restored at Neasham House, a mid-nineteenth century detached villa in Grange Road, Darlington.

 

Maineside Developments Limited is turning the once derelict and vandalised building into two high-quality three-storey homes, Neasham House and Neasham Lodge, while also building a new apartment block – Riverside Grange – within the grounds providing a further nine luxury homes.

 

The developer is determined that the Georgian features will again grace the building, which overlooks South Park, Darlington’s main public park.

 

“We are also restoring the original ceiling cornices which were revealed when we stripped out suspended ceilings installed in the 1960s when Neasham House became local authority flats,” says Maineside director Dave Muir.

 

Maineside is also reintroducing the Georgian balustrade, which has been held in storage by Darlington Borough Council for a number of years to protect it from the threat of vandalism.

 

However, the coup-de grace promises to be the restoration of the original lightwell in the six-bedroom Neasham House.

 

Adds Mr Muir: “Lightwells were quite common in the grand houses of the Georgian and Victoria periods, and throw natural light on enclosed areas such as stairwells to create a very attractive feature.

 

“Light will play an important role in the lives of the eventual owners of Neasham House and Lodge, as both benefit from large private sun terraces, giving stunning views over South Park.”

 

The three-storey apartments of Riverside Grange are also being given a Georgian theme, notably the roof, which imitates that of Neasham House and Lodge, as well as many other traditional design features.

 

Maineside is hosting open days at the Neasham House development on the weekend of July 5 and 6, from 10am to 4pm. More details will be announced nearer the date, but anyone wanting more information or brochures about the properties can contact Maineside on  01642 579859.