Client Site Visits: Exploring Octagon’s Grade II Listed Mansion House

It’s very rare that you get invited to take a look around a mansion - let alone one dating back to the 19th century! Bec and I recently had the opportunity to explore the Mansion House at Broadoaks Park alongside the Octagon team last month, to begin generating ideas for its official launch next year.

Dating back to 1876, the Mansion House is currently undergoing extensive restoration by Octagon’s expert in-house team, painstakingly working to restore the home back to its former glory. It’s safe to say, we couldn’t wait to step foot inside this impressive property.

Now an award-winning development in West Byfleet, Surrey, the Faust team have been managing the PR and community engagement at Broadoaks Park since before planning permission was even submitted! I joined the account last summer and since then have been working on everything from press releases to delivering resident events and press tours, as well as drafting posts for Octagon’s social media pages. I can’t wait to get started on a PR plan for the Mansion House!

Armed with our hard hats and high-vis vests, Bec and I certainly looked the part, but had no idea what to expect. Immediately impressed by the sheer size of the property alone, I soon realised that this wasn’t a project to take lightly. Set to be split into two five- and six-bedroom homes, I could’ve quite easily gotten swept up in the maze-like layout (thankfully, a site map on each floor and the friendly site manager, Richard, prevented me from doing so!). From an original carved timber mantelpiece in the reception room to elaborate ornamental ceilings throughout, the Mansion House looked as if it could be a set for Bridgerton – however there was still a significant task at hand…

Where do you start with restoring such a large, Grade II Listed, home? That was mine and Bec’s first question when seeing the immensity of the property – and the answer isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think. We soon learned from the site manager that while making sure the property is structurally sound is the first priority, you just can’t predict what you might uncover. Expected from a home that’s almost 150 years old, the Octagon team were poised and ready for any obstacles heading their way (hats off to them!).

Despite these hurdles, the Octagon team are no strangers to properties of this size and, with around 25 tradespeople onsite at any one time, the Mansion House is making significant progress. As a history graduate, I was particularly impressed with the teams’ effort in restoring the home with as much 19th century charm as possible. Everything from repairing and replicating the original coving to matching the windows to preserve the home’s authenticity has been considered - a true testament to Octagon’s expert craftsmanship.

Coming to the end of the grand tour, and having asked questions until our heart’s content, Bec and I not only felt inspired but very impressed. Brimming with ideas and a general buzz for launching the Mansion House next year, I didn’t quite comprehend just how much work goes into restoring a home of this calibre. I even created this Reel to showcase the fantastic progress so far!

The tour was a wonderful opportunity to understand more about the restoration process, and we can’t wait for our next tour in a few months!