Restoration of historic maritime villa now complete

A two-year project to restore an 18th-century maritime villa in Lyme Regis to its former glory is now complete and open to the public.

Belmont House, a Grade II* listed seaside villa, was rescued from decay in 2007 by The Landmark Trust. The villa was once home to world-famous author, John Fowles, author of The Magus and The French Lieutenant's Woman.

The two-year restoration project involving a raft of volunteers and specialist tradespeople began in late 2013 and was completed last month.

East Devon based company Fords were integral to the restoration project having won the competitive tender to design and install the electrical and mechanical works. Their specialist team completely rewired and re-plumbed the house, installed a central heating system, fitted fire alarms and emergency lighting, and mounted an ‘in tile’ solar PV system on the roof to generate electricity.

Belmont is The Landmark Trust’s most significant restoration project since the transformation of Astley Castle in Warwickshire.

Carole Paton, one of the Landmark Trust’s building surveyors project-managed the work and led a skilled team from start to finish, “Restoration projects are always absorbing, but Belmont has been entirely consuming for everyone involved. I’m particularly grateful to all of the local firms and specialists like Fords who have worked with us throughout this momentous project.”

Tim Ford, Director, added: “It was a huge privilege to be involved in this restoration project. Listed properties can be tricky buildings to work in but we enjoy a challenge and our team have the experience to overcome any problems they encounter along the way.”

“Belmont now looks fantastic. We’re proud to have played a part in securing its future and allowing many to enjoy it in the years to come.”

The restored villa, which sleeps eight, is now available to the public as a holiday let. For more information please visit www.landmarktrust.org.uk