NEWS RELEASE February 2025
Historic Landmark Property Saved from Dereliction & Meticulously Restored to Former Glory
Architects, Charles Mullineux Design, were appointed in 2023 to design and plan a hugely important restoration project for 30-32 Dollar Street, Cirencester. The property is one of significant historical interest, boasting a host of original architectural features.
Formerly known as Dollar Street House, 30-32 Dollar Street dates back to 1725 and early C19. It was built by the lawyer Joseph Pitt, who developed Pittville Spa in Cheltenham. The property was Grade II* statutory listed on 14th June 1948 and is located within the Cirencester Town Centre Conservation Area. Part of the gardens to the rear lie within Scheduled Ancient Monument 361 (Corinium Roman Town).
For many years the property had been sadly left to go to rack and ruin, garnering a lot of interest and campaigning from local authorities and residents determined to save it from dereliction. After a few false starts, a private buyer eventually bought the building in 2023 and has spent the last 18 months working with carefully selected local specialist, all highly skilled, to bring it back to life and restore it for future generations. A huge project with a lot of interest, this was no small undertaking and carried a lot of responsibility.
The renovations are now almost complete, with just the landscaping of the gardens to finish. The property has been preserved and returned to its original residential use, in the past having been used as offices over a decade ago, and now comprises three large, exceptionally handsome townhouses, which will go onto the market in May 2025.
During the works, there were many exciting architectural discoveries, including original cornicing and ceiling roses that had been damaged and hidden under false ceilings; glorious marble fireplaces that were boarded up; beautiful original oak timbers and beams; and a stunning central oval roof lantern, very much Pittville style, which had been vandalised; and a unique elegant balustrade underneath running all the way down through the centre of the house, also vandalised.
Project architect, Charles Mullineux, recently gave Cllr Mark Harris from Cotswold District Council a private tour of the three houses to give him a preview of the extensive works. Harris said: "I am delighted by the outstanding work at Dollar House and the speed at which it has been completed. For nearly a decade, I have campaigned with the District Council to repair the damage caused by previous owners, and at last, this landmark building is secured for the future. Charles Mullineux's sensitive approach, working closely with Cotswold District Council's conservation officer, Justin Ayton, exemplifies how businesses and local authorities can achieve exceptional results—this is a fantastic asset for Cirencester." Mark Harris.
ABOVE: Cllr Mark Harris with architect Charles Mullineux outside the front of the property.
Photo credit:www.instagram.com/georgebrookshotdog
ABOVE: Damaged central oval roof lantern and balustrade, now restored.
ABOVE: Restored marble fireplace, ceiling rose and cornice.
ABOVE: Restored ceiling timbers
EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Charles will be delivering a talk about the restoration of 30-32 Dollar Street at the upcoming Cotswold Homes & Interiors Festival at 10am on Saturday 29th March in the Corn Hall, Cirencester - £3 per person. Please see here: A brief history of 30-32 Dollar St and its recent restoration - Cotswold Homes & Interiors Festival.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About Charles Mullineux Design:
Charles Mullineux Design is a RIBA and ARB registered Architecture and Design practice that prides itself on high end high quality design based in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds. They have particular expertise with listed buildings.
https://www.charlesmullineux.co.uk/
ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
Jo Welch MCIPR, The Cotswold PR Company
+ 44 (0) 7767 416092