Great Scott! How legendary architect's Gothic masterpiece became a remarkable family home

Sir George Gilbert Scott was commissioned to build Fitzroy House in 1862 Asked to create memorial library for Lewes MP Henry Fitzroy by his widow Scott was the most eminent and fashionable architect of the time Also created the Albert Memorial, the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras Station and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London Fitzroy House is now on the market for offers in excess of 1 million

By Gary Edwards For The Mail On Sunday

Published: 17:13 EST, 28 February 2015 | Updated: 17:15 EST, 28 February 2015

When people move house they often refer to entering a new chapter of their lives or turning a new leaf. For Jim and Maureen Franks, either expression couldnt be more apt, as the couple are now leaving a former library they have lived in for almost 40 years.

And its not just any old library. Fitzroy House, their Victorian Gothic revival home, was built by the most eminent and fashionable architect of the time, Sir George Gilbert Scott, the man who also created the Albert Memorial, the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras Station and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, all in London.

He was commissioned to build the memorial library for Lewes MP Henry Fitzroy by his widow Hannah in 1862, and it was used by the town until 1958 and later turned into offices.

Striking: The Victorial Gothic revival property's clock tower, right, and left, the large octagonal atrium

It then faced demolition in the 1970s before locals moved to preserve the building, and quantity surveyor Jim Franks saw an opportunity to save the structure while turning it into his family home.

But now, in their mid to late 80s, the pair are finding the huge, 2,800 sq ft two-storey home right in the centre of the historic town of Lewes, East Sussex, just a little too much to cope with, and are looking to downsize while staying in the town. Fitzroy House is on the market for offers in excess of 1 million.

It was extraordinarily run-down and had been empty for six or seven years, says the Frankses daughter, Eleanor Austin.

Link:
Great Scott! How legendary architect's Gothic masterpiece became a remarkable family home