Over the summer Ash completed a restoration project for Lewisham Council to transform Beckenham Place Park Homestead, an 18th-century stable block, back to its former glory. In 2018, Lewisham Council received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the building after it had been left derelict following a devastating arson attack in 2011.
The Homestead is a prime example of an early Victorian Grade II Listed building with an enclosed stable yard and surrounding cottages. Ash has invested in time sourcing materials that are in keeping with the building’s historic significance. Ash used the traditional method of plastering with animal hair to thicken the mixture and rebuilt the clock tower based on historic images. Ash also reinstated the tower with it’s original weather vane.
The building has now been transformed into a café with a terrace overlooking the park as well as two environmental education classrooms. Ash made the building fully accessible to the public and installed a new lift for the building. The three surrounding cottages are now being leased to businesses that are in keeping with the park setting.
No words can truly do the Homestead transformation the justice it deserves. See for yourself and take a look at the before and after images below!
