The Boys’ Brigade has sold Felden Lodge in Hemel Hempstead to the Witherslack Group for £5.25m.
The lodge sits on an 18.55-acre site and comprises five buildings. The main house offers 27 bedrooms, a lounge, dining room, five meeting rooms, office space and a chapel.
There is also a purpose-built accommodation block with a fully equipped kitchen and dining/lounge area, and an activity hall. The property also includes a multi-functional sports hall with changing facilities, a dance studio and outdoor sports amenities, such as a hard tennis court and grass playing fields.
Witherslack Group operates a network of schools and children’s homes across the UK and intends to transform Felden Lodge into a leading SEN school with specialist facilities.
Steve Bacon, CFO of Witherslack Group, said: “Felden Lodge is an extraordinary property in a beautiful location, making it the ideal site for our next specialist educational facility. This purchase will enable us to expand our provision of high-quality education and care for children and young people with complex needs, including autism and social, emotional, and mental health difficulties.”
Jonathan Eales, chief executive of The Boys’ Brigade, added: “The sale will help our organisation secure financial stability for the longer term and continue our vital work supporting young people across the country have opportunities to learn, grow and discover. We are pleased that our former headquarters will continue to benefit children and young people for years to come.”
Jasper Upton, associate in the education and charities team at Knight Frank, which advised The Boys’ Brigade on the sale, said: “We are honoured to have facilitated this important transaction for the sector. The UK currently faces a significant shortage of SEN-specific education and with a growing demand, Felden Lodge represents a strategic investment in addressing this crucial educational gap.
“We look forward to seeing the Witherslack Group develop the site into a world-class facility, that can provide transformative educational experiences for children with diverse learning needs.”
