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Conan Doyle's Home Saved from Demolition, Becomes School
1 Nov
Summary
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's former residence, Undershaw, was saved from neglect.
- The historic Victorian home is now a school for disabled children.
- The property was preserved after a lengthy legal battle and fundraising effort.
Undershaw, the Victorian residence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has been rescued from a state of significant neglect. The author lived in the Surrey property from 1897 to 1907, where he famously penned "The Hound of the Baskervilles." After his departure, the house had various uses, including a hotel until 2004.
In 2012, plans to convert Undershaw into separate dwellings faced legal opposition from preservationists. The High Court overturned the redevelopment approval, citing insufficient consultation with English Heritage. This ruling averted demolition but left the building's future uncertain.
A significant preservation campaign concluded in 2014 when David Fiorbes-Nixon purchased Undershaw. The property was subsequently transformed into Stepping Stones School, providing a new educational purpose.
The restoration efforts focused on preserving the original interior, including fireplaces. Conan Doyle's study was repurposed as the headteacher's office, and his wife's room became the school library. The restored building was nominated for a Surrey Heritage Award.
