Frogmore House

Completed 2021

Frogmore House, Watford is an early C18th Grade II* Listed building located in the centre of Watford. The original countryside setting was gradually erased with the advance of industry in the area, so that by 1905 the house and grounds themselves had been purchased by the Watford Gas and Coke Company. The house was then subdivided into small flats and three large gasometers were built in the gardens. The house and site then gradually fell into complete dilapidation so that by the early C20th, the building was placed on the Heritage at Risk Register where it remained until the works started in 2019.

The project received recognition from several national award schemes including the Georgian Group Awards 2021 and a Civic Trust Award 2022.

Frogmore House and the adjacent former gasworks were proposed for redevelopment by a joint venture between the National Grid and Berkeley Homes LLP. Flats were to be built on the majority of the site, along with a supermarket. A key requirement however was the complete restoration of Frogmore House itself. Giles Quarme Architect’s Ltd (GQA) were appointed by St William LLP to advise and oversee every detail of the restoration and the sensitive conversion of the building into single office space. Importantly, this decision use meant the important interiors remained intact, rather being subdivided and their significance lost. Moreover, the proposals were designed in such a way as to make re conversation back into a single residence in the future a viable possibly.

As a Grade II* listed structure, the restoration of Frogmore House was subject to rigorous planning and listed building requirements. Internally, the need to restore and reinstate missing or damaged structures, fittings and joinery also had to be carefully and sensitively balanced with the demands of accommodating a new use as flexible 21st Century office space, which included the integration of services such as cooling/heating, lighting, and level, disabled access to the ground floor. Every historical detail was agreed with the local conservation officer and GQA developed a close and collaborative working relationship with the local council, museum and local interest groups during the entire project.