Published on Tue Nov 22 16:22:00 GMT 2011
A HISTORIC Grade II listed lodge which was once home to Edward Prince of Wales and Mrs Wallis Simpson is being sold after being converted into nine individual houses.
Craven Lodge, situated at the foot of Burton Hill in Melton, has been sympathetically renovated and transformed by developers Rochford Homes since managing director Peter Burrows secured planning permission about a year and a half ago.
The former hunting lodge, which boasts a rich architectural and social heritage, has seen a quick turn around since permission was secured, with builders working tirelessly for eight months to create the properties which collectively have been named Craven Court.
Interest has been rapidly increasing since the houses were put on the market about three weeks ago and Shoulers, the estate agents, have already sold two of them.
Approached through a sweeping driveway with secure gates and set in two acres of leafy grounds, each property, which ranges from two bed to five bed and two storey to three storey, boasts original detailing, high ceilings and timber single glazed windows and all communal areas will be owned by a management company run by the residents.
Mr Johnson of Shoulers said: “This is a very exciting sale for Melton due to the property’s Royal and historical connections over the last century.”
Originally constructed as Burton House in the 1820’s for local GP Dr Keal, the property was remodelled into a hunting lodge after his death by the Honourable William Craven between 1856 to 1860. Craven’s London home, Craven Cottage, is today home to Fulham Football Club.
Several successive owners further redeveloped the lodge and it became a prominent place in local hunting society under the ownership of Captain Michael Wardell in 1922, who converted it into a number of luxurious private apartments for the Craven Lodge Club, the most famous owner of an apartment being Edward Prince of Wales, who is said to have entertained Mrs Wallis Simpson there for many years.
The club maintained popularity until the Second World War, after which time it was taken over by the army. The lodge was then purchased in 1952 by Leicestershire County Council who ran it as a residential school for many years.
Craven Court house prices start in the range of £200,000 up to £650,000.
l Contact Shoulers on (01664) 410 166.
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.