Britcon was appointed by The Hunt Group to deliver the redevelopment and restoration of Hirst Priory, a Grade II Listed eighteenth century manor house in Crowle, Lincolnshire. Set within extensive private grounds and woodland, the project transformed the previously neglected historic property into a prestigious hotel, wedding, events and hospitality venue. The £1.2 million development required a sensitive approach to heritage conservation while creating modern facilities capable of supporting a thriving commercial operation.
Scope of Works
Delivered through a design and build contract, the redevelopment involved a comprehensive refurbishment of the listed building and associated external works. Internally, the ground floor was transformed into flexible event and wedding spaces capable of accommodating up to 110 guests, complete with professional catering kitchens, preparation areas and a fully licensed bar. The upper floors were refurbished to create five en suite guest bedrooms and dedicated wedding preparation suites for hair, beauty and photography services.
The works also included the demolition of an existing structure to facilitate a new extension, alongside the installation of new mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing, flooring, fixtures, fittings and decorative finishes throughout. Externally, Britcon delivered drainage improvements, a new tarmac access road and driveway, and the installation of a new three phase electrical supply to support the operational requirements of the venue.
Challenges
Working within a Grade II Listed building presented a series of technical and logistical challenges. Every aspect of the refurbishment required careful consideration to preserve the character, heritage value and architectural integrity of the historic structure. Close collaboration with heritage specialists, consultants and planners was essential to ensure compliance with conservation requirements while accommodating the needs of a modern hospitality venue.
The project also demanded specialist subcontractor coordination and the sourcing of materials that complemented the original building fabric. Integrating contemporary building services within a historic environment required meticulous planning and workmanship to achieve both operational efficiency and heritage preservation.
Outcomes
The successful redevelopment of Hirst Priory has given a historic Lincolnshire landmark a new lease of life. The transformed venue now provides a high quality destination for weddings, events, hospitality and guest accommodation, securing the long term future of the listed building while preserving its historic character.
The project demonstrates Britcon’s expertise in delivering complex heritage refurbishments, combining modern construction techniques with specialist conservation knowledge. Through careful planning, collaboration and craftsmanship, Britcon successfully created a unique hospitality venue that respects the building’s heritage while meeting the expectations of contemporary users.