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House's Georgian glory to be restored
A LANDMARK house near one of Darlingtons major parks is set to have its Georgian features restored - after being left derelict and vandalised for years.
The refurbishment will include the return of the long awaited Georgian balustrade to the house.
It has been held in storage by Darlington Borough Council for a number of years to protect it from the threat of vandalism.
The mid-nineteenth century detached villa in Grange Road, is to become two high quality, three storey homes, Neasham House and Neasham Lodge.
There will also be a new apartment block - Riverside Grange - within the grounds providing a further nine homes.
The developer, Mainside Developments Limited is determined that the Georgian features of the Grade II listed mansion house will again grace the building, which overlooks South Park.
Maineside director Dave Muir said: We are also restoring the original ceiling cornices which were revealed when we stripped out suspended ceilings installed in the 1960s when Neasham House became local authority flats.
Mr Muir believes that the best thing about the refurbishment will be the restoration of the original lightwell in the six bedroom house.
He said: Lightwells were quite common in the grand houses of the Georgian and Victoria periods, and throw natural light on enclosed areas such as stairwells to create a very attractive feature.
Light will play an important role in the lives of the eventual owners of Neasham House and Lodge, as both benefit from large private sun terraces, giving stunning views over South Park.
Councillor Peter Freitag said: It will be wonderful to see the house restored.
It is in such a beautiful spot, overlooking the park and it has been a real shame to see it so neglected over the years.
The developers have a major job on their hands and if they do it well they certainly deserve gratitude.
Maineside is hosting open days at the Neasham House development on the weekend of July 5 and 6, from 10am to 4pm.
More details will be announced nearer the date, but anyone wanting more information can call Maineside on 01642-579589.
9:55am Friday 9th May 2008
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