St Bees, Cumbria
2022
Listed Building Conversion
£1.2M+
Grindal House in St Bees, Cumbria, is a distinguished Grade II listed building with deep roots in the local area. Originally built as a four-storey boarding house for the prestigious St Bees School, the property carries real historical weight. When plans were drawn up to transform it into a luxury 20-bedroom aparthotel, William King Construction was appointed as Principal Contractor to lead the full renovation.
From the very beginning, we worked closely with resident architect Martin Cuthall and the client to make sure every decision honoured the building’s age, character and protected status. Choosing the right materials, planning each structural intervention carefully, respecting what was already there – this is the kind of work our team genuinely takes pride in.
The scope of works was significant. It included a full strip-out and structural remediation, 20-metre pile foundations to support a new five-storey lift shaft, the restoration of 46 original sash windows, new internal linings and gypsum metal finishes throughout, full internal and external decoration, and the creation of a new car park and access road. At every stage, we had to satisfy modern building and fire regulations without compromising the character and integrity of a building that deserves to be treated with care.
What stands at the end of this project is a building with a new purpose and a long future ahead of it. The historical elegance is still very much there. It has simply been given the space to shine again.
A selection of images from the Grindal House project, capturing the transformation from historic boarding house to luxury aparthotel.
Renovating a Grade II listed building into a modern aparthotel is never straightforward. Grindal House required careful, knowledgeable handling at every stage. Heritage conservation, fire safety compliance and a high-end residential finish all had to be achieved together, within the very real constraints of a protected historic structure.
Our approach to Grindal House came from a belief we hold across all of our heritage work. A building’s history and its future do not have to be in competition. With the right knowledge, the right team and proper preparation, you can protect what matters while creating something that works beautifully for generations to come.
Before a single tool was picked up on site, we spent time genuinely understanding the building. Its construction, its condition, the sensitivities around its listed status and what all of that meant for every element of the works ahead. That groundwork allowed us to plan properly, move through each phase with confidence and avoid the kind of surprises that cost time and money.
Throughout the project we worked in close collaboration with architect Martin Cuthall, bringing together specialist trades and our own experienced team to deliver each element to the standard this building deserved. From complex structural works deep below ground level to the finest surface finishes in every room, the same care and attention went into all of it.
A thorough structural and heritage assessment shaped everything that followed. We identified risks early, developed detailed solutions and made sure all listed building consent requirements were fully understood before any works began on site.
We installed 20-metre pile foundations to carry the new five-storey lift shaft, alongside full structural remediation throughout the building. All of this was carried out with precision to protect the surrounding historic fabric and keep the project on track.
Forty-six original sash windows were carefully restored using traditional techniques and sympathetic materials. New internal linings, gypsum metal finishes and full decoration were then carried through all 20 en-suite units to deliver a residential finish that meets a genuinely high standard.
External works including the new car park and access road completed the project. The building was handed over fully compliant with building regulations, fire safety requirements and listed building consent conditions, on programme and to the complete satisfaction of the client.
Whether it’s a heritage conversion, new build residential or complex civil works – our team is ready to discuss how we can deliver it to the standard you expect.
