2003 a derelict 24-room grade II listed property renovations began in order to turn it into the regions self-catering holiday of the year for 2006 “All Seasons”
Here is “All Seasons” story…
Renovations at 140 – 142 Eastgate
The best way to maintain any listed building is to give the building a purpose, a reason to exist. We hope that “All Seasons” captures your imagination and you book your holidays and visits to Lincolnshire with All Seasons. “All Seasons” success will no doubt generate more interest in restoration and listed properties and hopefully more buildings will be saved as a consequence.
Should anyone be considering restoring a redundant building or listed building, rewarding and satisfying are the words you want to be left with after your restoration project is completed, so choose your property wisely, after seeking professional advice. Contacting your local conservation officer at the council and also contact English Heritage
Diary 2003 – 2008 – 5 Years of Restoration Work
140 and 142 Eastgate were used as private residences during 18th and 19th centuries up until 1940s The properties are well known and are a piece of Louth as well as Lincolnshire history. The property was then purchased by Charles Wilkinson, the founder of the motor racing circuit, Cadwell Park and used as offices for the race circuit and dozens of other Louth businesses over the last 60 years. Ludensians (as Louth locals are known) will recall many of the companies trading from here including Eric Coopers Architects, Monuments Hairdressers, Skin Deep Beauty Salon, Joe Buckner Associates and the Louth Corn Exchange.
It is likely that many locals will have mixed emotions about the history of the building as it was owned by the Department of Transport and used as the Driving Test Centre for many years.
Restoration Work 2003 – 2005
During early 2003 and into 2004 a significant amount of time was spent with planning departments, conservation meetings, drawing up plans and sketches for the building regulations team. The project management and the plans drawn and submitted to the planners where undertaken by the owners.
A team of builders including M and M Granthams who carried out around 1/2 the work with other trades to remove and replace the roof, plumb in the water and drainage and wire all the apartments. The whole lot took around 12 months to get to the decorating stage and cost around £250,000 Furnishings and painting “All Seasons” started with 3 apartments, the final apartment and the owners living quarters were completed over the next 3 years.
Decorating and furnishing the apartments, marketing the business and dealing with enquiries and bookings is a constant, and akin to (the owners say to owning and maintaining the forth bridge, in that it is never finished and is always being updated and improved). By far the most important resource in the maintenance of our listed buildings is you, our guests. Georgian properties are extremely expensive to maintain and as such need constant work and money to upkeep.
Restoration Work 2005 – 2006
Getting the final 4th apartment “Upgate” completed has been a priority. With All Seasons much appreciated popularity a small problem occurred which hadn’t been anticipated. We are full, and concerned about disturbing guests whilst carrying out the replacement and improvements to the apartments stairs and handrail. The owners decide to take a brave move and close for a couple of weeks in order to do the noisy, dusty work. Opening again in March 2006, then painting and decorating Upgate, to open it in June 2006. The first guests think it’s fabulous!
Restoration Work 2007 – 2008
- Best Self Catering Holiday in the East Midlands,
- Pride of Place Award from Louth Civic Trust,
- A Highly Commended Award from HRH Duke of Kent at the Georgian Group Awards in London, 2007
2007 was indeed a great year.
With three 1-bedroom apartments, and a 2-bedroom apartment All Seasons and the restoration of 140 – 142 Eastgate is now complete and fully open for business (May 2008).
From now on its repairs, maintenance, updating, decorating, cleaning, gardening. marketing, accounts, bookings and enquiries. Yes you guessed no time to get bored, ever!