Shropshire Star

Bishop Percy's House revamp ends in time for bookings

Work to revamp one of the county's oldest buildings has been completed as holiday rooms are being snapped up by visitors.

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Owners Maria Allen and Reg Allen, both of Stourbridge, with (right) architect Matt Spinks, of Bridgnorth, at Bishop Percy's House, Bridgnorth

Re-opened Grade I listed Bishop Percy's House, in Cartway, Bridgnorth, now as a modern rear extension as part of its transformation to a tearoom and holiday flats.

To mark the end of the final phase delighted proprietors Reg and Maria Allen hosted a reception for the architects and contractors who worked on the building so they can see first hand the fruits of their labour.

The private event organised by architects Johnson Design Partnership Ltd was held for 50 guests to see the finished scheme. They were also given a tour of the premises which has been converted into visitors', accommodation each sleeping four guests, offering spectacular top floor views across the River Severn and the town centre.

The original features have been kept at the 16th century half timbered property, which used to be home to the Bridgnorth Boys Club. While a modern look has been given to the site with the construction of two separate contemporary homes overlooking the river.

Johnson Design spokeswoman Kim Chesters says the event was attended by around 50 guests who were involved in the re-development of the heritage building that had been shut since 2003 until the Allens took over and gave it a new lease of life.

Mrs Allen says: "I am very delighted with how things are going so far. We have some guests in the apartments and more are booked in."

Bishop Percy's House was originally known as 'Forster's Folly' and was built in 1580 by Richard Forster. It was one of the few properties of its type to survive the great fire of Bridgnorth in April 1646 and was given a grade listing in 1949. It has been unoccupied since 2003.

It was officially opened to the public in March by Mayor of Bridgnorth, Councillor Ron Whittle.