Work progresses on restoring iconic listed building in Salisbury retirement village

We’re really pleased to say that work is well underway to restore an iconic listed building in Salisbury to its former glory as the final part of our Chapters affordable retirement living village.

Redeveloping the Old Manor Hospital

The Grade-II listed 19th century Finch House is part of the former Old Manor Hospital site that we purchased with the aim of creating nearly 200 affordable independent-living properties. A range of luxury one, two and three-bedroom apartments, houses and cottages are available from £120,000 at Chapters, based off Wilton Road, under a government-backed shared ownership scheme for people aged 55 and over delivered in partnership with Homes England.

In line with planning permission approved by Wiltshire Council, Finch House is being restored to the original grandeur of the property, which formed an iconic part of the former Old Manor Hospital site. Finch House is being converted into 21 retirement apartments which will benefit from private communal gardens featuring a replacement of the property’s original greenhouse. Homeowners will also have access to designated parking, bistro, activity rooms and communal lounges shared by the wider Chapters community.

Restoration work

Oliver Hunter, CEO of Construction, said: “We are excited to be working at speed on Finch House, which is the final piece of the puzzle in our Chapters retirement village. Chapters provides luxury and affordable homes for people aged 55 and over, with healthcare facilities, transport links and the city centre within close reach.

He added: “We are working hard to retain as much of the original building as is safe to do so and once the restoration work is completed, people will be able to live in one of Salisbury’s landmarks in the gateway to the cathedral city. We look forward to returning Finch House to the people of Salisbury to be enjoyed for many years to come.”

The construction team has taken down the weather-damaged roof and second floor of the building, ahead of its replacement, and are currently using structural supports to preserve the remaining exterior of the property. The historic water feature sculpture from the front of Finch House has also been taken away to be looked after by specialist restorers, before being returned to the driveway once building work is completed.

In March, work starts to build the property back up again from the ground upwards, beginning with the installation of new concrete flooring, as well as external preparation work on the property’s courtyard. All work is being carried out under the guidance of structural engineers specialising in conservation, who have listed the sections of the building which can be retained and what must be replaced for the safety of the property’s future residents.

The history of Finch House

The listed building was purchased by William Finch in 1779. Finch House was eventually taken over by his son, Dr William Finch, a qualified doctor, who also acquired Fisherton House, later known as The Old Manor, which went on to provide care for mental health patients until the hospital closed in 2003.

Chapters is our urban retirement development situated in the heart of Salisbury. All of our homes have a dedicated onsite Lifestyle Manager who helps to build a dynamic community amongst the homeowners, as well as offering practical and emotional support to each of the residents.

To register an interest in the available properties at Finch House and for more information on Chapters, call our Relationship Managers on 01202 088051.