detailed front view of house with striking oriel window

Old Rectory

Conversion of a historic hospital building to apartments in Dorchester.

Location Dorchester, Dorset

Status Built

Use Residential

Client Private

Originally a former Victorian Rectory on Somerleigh Road in Dorchester.

The Old Rectory once formed part of the historic County Hospital. In more recent years the building was used as a health and fitness centre.

The Rectory (including the cellars) has been sensitively converted into 8 individual and unique apartments.

side view of large stone building converted to flats with oriel windows and chimney

modern light airy kitchen with kitchen island

steps leading to beautiful entrance with large wooden door and stone walls below oriel window

A new lease of life

This Victorian building is not listed but is a heritage asset of historic interest in the Conservation Area, retaining many of its original features. It makes an important contribution to the area, therefore, the conversion involved retaining all the principal elevations intact. Various blocked up doorways facing the car park were opened to improve an elevation which has suffered over the years from random alterations.

Light wells were formed to allow access for light and ventilation to the existing basement areas but being below ground level have not altered or spoiled the general appearance of the building’s exterior.

This has been a very successful project with the apartments selling quickly.

Photography DOMVS
Completion Date 2018

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