Cliveden Village Provides New Homes in a Stunning Historic Location

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Having received detailed planning permission from South Bucks District Council in 2004, a new scheme designed in partnership between Countryside Properties and the National Trust will provide 135 age exclusive contemporary houses and apartments, starting later this year.

This site served as a war hospital through both of the World Wars, initially as tented accommodation and later based in the main Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital and a series of prefabricated buildings, designed and built by Robert Atkinson in 1939. Since its closure in 1986, the hospital buildings have lain derelict and in recent years have suffered from vandalism.

These redundant wards and administration buildings have now been demolished enabling work on the new homes to begin later this summer, with the first homes expected to be available from spring 2007.

Secluded by spectacular mature trees and set around landscaped squares, 'Cliveden Village' will comprise a mix of two bedroom apartments, and two and three bedroom houses. The homes have been designed using a variety of natural materials including stone, timber, blue slate and copper to ensure their contemporary design is sympathetic to their setting.

A memorial paying tribute to the site's history will also be incorporated within the new scheme. In memory of the Canadian service personnel who were treated at the hospital, a memorial will be erected at the front of the site. The crest which was displayed on the original hospital façade has been retained for integration into one of the management buildings to be provided on the development.

A covered tennis court adjacent to the site, originally built for Lord and Lady Astor as a wedding gift and now Grade 2 listed, is also being externally restored to complete the transformation of this spectacular part of the Cliveden Estate. 

Chris Crook, Subsidiary Managing Director of Countryside Properties commented: "Cliveden is a unique opportunity to create a sustainable community in an extraordinary location, by building homes that have been designed to add to the estate's legacy.

"With demolition complete, we are now able to progress with this exciting project which we are delighted to be bringing forward in partnership with the National Trust."

Patrick Begg of the National Trust commented: "The funds raised from the residential development will be used to secure the future maintenance and upkeep of the estate, and enable the National Trust to undertake a series of major projects over the next 30 years, including the creation of an indoor gallery and the restoration of buildings such as the stables for public access and education."    

The 376 acre estate overlooks the River Thames and is home to Cliveden House. Built in 1851 the house was previously home to American millionaire Lord William Waldorf Astor, owner of the Observer newspaper and father-in-law of Lady Nancy Astor, the first female MP.

In 1985 the stately home was converted into a hotel and is currently leased from the National Trust by Von Essen Hotels.

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