West House was designed by the architect Philip Webb (1831-1915) as a 'studio house' for George Boyce ten years after he designed the celebrated Red House for William Morris. It was originally called Glebe House but was renamed West House in 1871.
The house is Grade II* listed and the original house was constructed in 1868/9 with an extension to the front and west elevations designed by Webb in 1876.
The present occupier has owned the property for approximately thirty years and in late 2003 embarked on major repairs to the external fabric of the building.
The current owner is proposing to restore Boyce's original studio and gallery and to remove many of the walls and floors constructed when the building was further extended in 1901. This work also includes a new full height window to the new studio more in keeping with the original design. The work also includes the total refurbishment of the property, including new plumbing, electrics, re-plastering of the walls, alterations to the third floor servants' quarters and a new lift providing access to a new basement, ground and first floor.
Major repair works have already been carried out to the external fabric of the building, with a total replacement of the roof finishes, new lead work throughout and the re-pointing of all the brick work.
Planning and listed building consent was applied for and granted for all the proposed internal alternations and for the external repair works. The majority of the internal alterations are to the first floor and involve the removal of internal partitions and a floor within the 1901 addition, together with the restoration of George Boyce 's studio which was converted into a bedroom when the later extension was added.
The external repair works have now been completed and the internal alterations are due to start on site early in 2007.
