Lewisham Council organised an Open House event at Beckenham Place Park on Sunday 23rd September 2018. Despite the awful weather, Matthew Cox our Commercial Director heading up the Homestead restoration persevered through the heavy rain and wind to present our current progress on the project. He was joined by a representative from Lewisham Council, who delivered a history of the Cator family and previous uses of the Homestead.
The Homestead is an 18th-century stable block, consisting of a stable yard with three surrounding cottages. The Homestead holds significance for historical reasons with its location and size showing its importance not only to the immediate pleasure gardens and main mansion but also to the park and estate itself. The buildings are classified for their national importance with the Homestead being listed Grade II as a prime example of an early Victorian enclosed stable yard.
Following an arson attack in 2011 the property has remained derelict. Ash’s restoration work involves transforming the Homestead into a café with a terrace looking onto the park and an environmental education centre. With the surrounding cottages being leased to businesses appropriate for the park setting.
A vital part of the restoration is remaining sympathetic to the existing structure, this ensures the building’s historic significance is highlighted. Ash has invested time in sourcing appropriate materials such as for the clock tower which has been rebuilt based of historic images and will be topped with the original weather vane.
Keep an eye on our social channels for progress images of the project.
