The redevelopment of the former St Margaret’s School in St Leonard’s which will see the Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings transformed into high-quality, energy efficient homes, is underway, developer Grenadier has announced.

The St Margaret’s development will provide a mix of 38 high-quality apartments and three individual townhouses and will set a new benchmark in sustainability for period homes.

Exeter-based developer Grenadier specialises in sustainable development and will adapt the site to meet the highest modern living standards, without compromising the historic character of the property by using the latest advancements in building techniques and technology.

The project is estimated to take two years to complete. Each property at St Margaret’s has a unique floor plan with distinctive period features incorporated into a contemporary, open plan look.

Aiden Johnson-Hugill, Director of Grenadier said: “At St Margaret’s, the aim is to set a new benchmark for energy-efficiency in period homes. To our knowledge, there hasn’t been a development on this scale – blending the latest in building techniques and technology – to create highly-efficient homes in a period property.”

“We’re always looking to push the boundaries of sustainability to deliver projects that not only benefit homeowners and the local community, but also improve the wider environment. “

“Grenadier have introduced some creative design ideas to enhance the beautiful character features at St Margaret’s and each room is individually designed to preserve original proportions and character.”

Grenadier have recently completed the restoration of a nearby property known as Willowdene. The developers carefully transformed this former school building back into its original use as a family home. The sustainable features, such as solar, an air-source heat pump and electric car charging point will help provide the homeowners with self-generated renewable energy for years to come, but also show how period buildings can compete with the energy efficiency of new homes.

Louise Glanville of marketing agents Knight Frank, added: “It is very rare for a site of this size and nature to come available in such a prime residential location.  With close access to the vibrant Magdalen Village, Exeter city centre, a number of different schools and the university’s St Luke’s Campus, not to mention the quay and great transport links. The location of St Margaret’s is a key selling point.”

“Teamed with landscaped gardens and natural outside spaces, the high-quality design of the homes and the future-thinking energy efficiencies, it’s little surprise we’ve already received so many enquiries for this exciting development.”

The redevelopment of St Margaret’s is expected to be completed in 2021.