A 300-year-old grade-II listed building in Watford has gone on the market again after plans were submitted to convert it into a school.
Frogmore House, in Lower High Street, is up for sale for £1,400,000 for the second time in recent years, after it underwent a £2 million refurbishment in 2020 and was later sold with a £950,000 guide price.
It is the latest in a line of updates for the historic property, which was listed in March earlier this year as a leisure facility and offices for £10,000 rent per month.
The building, which dates to 1716, has most recently been used as offices, but a planning application was submitted to the Watford Borough Council in July which looked to change the existing use class to 'F1'.
Planning documents stated that the “current proposal is for change of use from offices to a school”.
Frogmore House, which is grade-II listed, has a large garden with gated parking and office space over three floors.
- Plan to turn Grade II listed Watford building into 'school'
- Grade II listed 300-year-old Watford landmark up for rent
In the most recent listing posted today (September 18), estate agents Perry Holt state the property “may be suitable for alternative uses” under its current class E.
As well as offices, class E is a broad category and also includes a wide variety of commercial uses including shops, cafes, creches, and GP offices.
The £2 million renovation in 2020 was paid for by a developer as a condition added by Watford Borough Council when permission was granted for a neighbouring development which included a Lidl and 92 flats.
Frogmore House was previously described as a “really important part of our town’s history” by Watford mayor Peter Taylor, and was recognised at the Georgian Group’s Architectural Awards after its refurbishment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here