August 2026

Banstead Place Revived

The transformation of Banstead Place has revitalised a once-dilapidated Grade II listed Georgian manor house and been complemented by a collection of contemporary new-build apartments, that have been carefully integrated within the historic grounds. Balancing heritage conservation with modern later living requirements, the project has been shaped by a clear vision: to create a welcoming community that combines the character and craftsmanship of the original estate, with the comfort, accessibility and technology expected of contemporary homes.

Located within the Banstead Conservation Area and the Metropolitan Green Belt, the completed development brings together sensitive restoration, thoughtfully designed extra-care accommodation and carefully considered landscape interventions to create a unique later-living community in Surrey.

The scheme provides 54 new apartments, each with its own private entrance and outdoor space. Eleven homes are located within the restored manor house, retaining a multitude of it’s original features including exposed timber beams, historic joinery and original cupboards. At the heart of the building, residents enjoy a welcoming bar and restaurant, alongside a new orangery that provides flexible space for workshops, social events and community activities.

The new residential buildings have been carefully arranged around the estate’s historic landscape, framing the green in front of the manor house and adopting an L-shaped form within the former kitchen garden. Constructed in a palette of flint and brick, the new architecture responds sensitively to its historic setting, creating a contemporary addition that sits comfortably alongside the listed buildings.

At the front of the manor house,the homes adopt an almshouse-inspired arrangement. Providing residents with their own front doors, private gardens and access to a first-floor communal deck encourages neighbourly interaction while carefully balancing privacy, accessibility and opportunities to connect with nature.

Hunters’ architectural approach was guided by the unique character of the estate. The manor house, former stables, historic garden walls, orchard, arboretum and surviving ha-ha ditch all informed the masterplan and architectural response, ensuring that each new intervention reinforces the significance of the site’s heritage assets features rather than competing with them.

Alongside the restoration of the historic fabric, the development has been future-proofed through the integration of modern building technology, improved accessibility and the introduction of new lifts, ensuring the homes remain adaptable for residents’ changing needs while preserving the character of this remarkable historic estate.

Birchgrove was the client for this project.