In a new weekly feature profiling some of Worcestershire's most interesting places on-the-market, Spotlight Properties, Jessica Charles looks at Priors Croft in Malvern.
A VICTORIAN mansion with ‘fairy tale’ turrets has been the spot for an estate agents, a council building and a controversial nightclub, but before this it was home to one of Malvern’s most important figures, Oliver Mason.
Priors Croft, in Grange Road, Malvern, is currently listed for development by property agency Savills, at £800,000, with the intention of turning it into residential and retail space.
The building is currently Priors Croft Nightclub, but was once home to Malvern Hills Trust.
The building was once named Reginald Tower. Angus and Rosemary’s Miscellany of Malvern - Local History states that Reginald Tower was home to Oliver Mason, born in1787, who may also have been responsible for building the tower. He lived there until 1871.
Mr Mason inherited the Nether Grange Estate in Malvern. In the 1840s Mr Mason sold some of the land of this grand estate and it was developed into the famous Water Cure establishment.
It is believed to have later been the home of a lady called Mary Bramwell, around 1839. She had a cook, a lady’s maid and a general maid. Miss Bramwell, a spinster, lived there until 1904. Miss Bramwell’s father was Christopher Bramwell a wine merchant.
In 1911 it is recorded that Dr Arthur Oliver Holbeche lived at Reginald Tower.
Today, planning for the site has elapsed for part-demolition of ancillary buildings, conversion of existing building into three townhouses and building of a new dwelling, but a number of alternative uses and designs may be suitable, subject to planning, according to Savills.
The club, which was the last in Malvern, was put up for sale by the owner Jonathan Roe, who said: “It has been decided to put the whole site of Priors Croft on the market.
“The location would be more appropriate for mixed use as a development of both retail and residential as it is a large site with off road parking.”
Priors Croft has been on the market since November.
Do you have an unusual Worcestershire property on the market that you want to see featured in Spotlight Properties? If so, contact Jessica Charles via 01905 742206 or jessica.charles@newsquest.co.uk
READ MORE:
IN THE DOCK: Shoplifters and fare dodgers at Worcester Magistrates Court
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here