Homes & Property

Preaching to the converted

Monks still live at Douai Abbey, part of a former Catholic boarding school near the village of Woolhampton, Berkshire.

Bewley Homes, a "new-build heritage specialist", has converted the splendid listed building into 33 apartments, while 26 new homes have been built around quadrangles in the 12-acre grounds, which include a flower meadow.

Architect Robert Adam, known for his classical design, was commissioned to match new with old, and it is difficult to see the join.

Flats in the school have original architectural detailing, such as arched stained-glass windows, leaded lights and ornate stone carvings.

The highlight is the Grand Hall, a former rectory accessed through a cloistered walkway. This is a dramatic triple-height space of more than 5,000sq ft lined with tall Gothic-style windows.

Refurbished apartments are priced from £310,000 to £1.5 million, and new homes from £340,00 to £875,000.

Call 01628 407340.
www.bewley.co.uk


Published: 16 May 2007
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