Swindon firm's key role in manor house purchase

Swindon firm Awdry Law has successfully completed the acquisition of Burderop Park near Chiseldon.

It did so on behalf of longstanding client William Arthur Property Limited, which earlier this year purchased Apsley House, the former home of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

Arthur Dallimer, Director of William Arthur Property Limited, said: "I've been working with Tim Hotchkiss and his team for almost six years now, with a significant number of transactions completed during that time. I couldn't imagine working with anyone else.

“The team is efficient, effective and personable. I am delighted to have completed the purchase of Burderop Park and what a team effort it was.

“The works to the manor house are proceeding well and I look forward to sharing my ambitious plans for this site as a whole over the coming months and years.”

The purchase, involving six individual plots, encompasses the Grade II* listed manor house, extensive parkland, stables and additional structures with planning permission for future residential development.

Burderop Park, with its origins dating back to 1219 and a rich history including a visit by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, is a significant landmark.

The manor house underwent an architectural transformation to the Palladian style in 1731.

During the 20th century, the estate served as a training camp for the British Army in both World Wars. It has also hosted notable visitors such as King Edward VII.

Tim Hotchkiss, Head of Land & Development and Equity Partner at Awdry Law, said: “I am delighted to have completed the acquisition of Burderop Park on behalf of William Arthur Property Limited, a highly regarded property investment and development client with a proven track record in Swindon, Bristol and across Wiltshire.

“I first visited the site in September 2022, and it is fair to say that this complex transaction has been a labour of love for the last 12 months or so, with daily conference calls with Arthur and countless meetings.

“The refurbishment works to the manor house are well underway already and Arthur has very kindly provided me with a guided tour of the site so that I could see the progress for myself.

“The future plans really are amazing, and I very much look forward to making further visits to Burderop Park to witness these come to fruition.

“I must also compliment the members of my team for their efforts in assisting in getting this transaction over the line. It has been incredibly satisfying for all concerned to have been involved in this deal.”

A spokesperson for Awdry Law’s Land and Development team said: “We pride ourselves on being ‘dealmakers’ and offer a comprehensive start-to-finish service, with an experienced team on hand to facilitate the structuring of any given transaction in an innovative manner.

 “All of our lawyers are relationship-focused individuals that avoid using legal jargon. We pride ourselves on our modern approach, approachability, and responsiveness.”

Further information can be found at https://awdry.law/for-business/land-and-development