Royal Connaught Park, a grand residential development in Bushey, traces its origins back to the early 1900s when the site was first developed as the Royal Masonic School for Boys. Following its closure in 1977, the former school becomes the European Campus for the United States International University before being transformed into a spectacular collection of homes. Delivered by leading placemaking developer, Comer Homes, remaining apartments start from £610,000.

The Royal Masonic School for Boys can be traced back to a collection of charities established in the late 18th century where the school was set up to educate the sons of local Freemasons. The school provided support for students boarding fees and gave them pocket money. During the time at the school a representative from the local lodge visited the school to check on the student’s welfare, making sure that they had settled in ok and if they need any more books or clothing.

After the boys had left the school, the teachers kept close personal relationships with the students and were always there to give advice or help. The guiding principles for the Institution were help and charity, whilst the aim of the school was to maintain the education of the boys and give them the best start in life. The school produced several notable alumni, Sir Stuart Hampson former Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, Simon Warr who is a British radio broadcaster and television personality and Anthony Andrews who is an English actor best known for playing Lord Sebastian Flute in the ITV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited.

After the school had closed, between 1977 to 2009, the site was the European Campus for the United States International University, which specialised in a range of academics from Forensic Studies to Law.

Full of character that provides a unique setting, Royal Connaught Park is instantly recognisable, with an iconic clock tower at the front of the site. The tall tower was previously known as JFK house, named as a tribute to the Kennedy family who stayed at the school during a visit to the United Kingdom in World War II.

Many historic elements of the original site have been retained and restored, including the old Headmaster’s and Teacher’s staff rooms, that have now been developed into a state-of-the-art gym where you can still find the school motto engraved in the old fireplace ‘Audi, Vide, Tace’ which means ‘Hear, See, Be Silent’ linking to the sites educational background.

The latest collection of homes on this inspirational scheme are set within sympathetically designed buildings, split into six separate houses that respect and enhance the character of the original buildings. Commemorating the site’s educational heritage, a selection of the new blocks have been named after some of the world’s most esteemed schools and universities – Harvard, Eton, Oxford and Yale.

Oxford House is a boutique building showcasing two-bedroom apartments, with the final 872 sq. ft. home available at £610,000. Yale House has a wonderful selection of two and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, with only eight units remaining. Harvard House comprises a selection of two-bedroom apartments, providing accommodation sized between 1,173 sq. ft. to 1,593 sq. ft.

Also available in the Nova Collection is Admiral House and Lancaster House. Ranging in size from 1,066 sq. ft. to 1,808 sq. ft. Admiral House provides some of the largest homes available with a mixture of two and three-bedroom ground floor and duplex apartments.

The largest block is Lancaster House, consisting of two, three and four-bedroom apartments. Taking in the views of the grounds and surrounding countryside. The Nova Collection is situated within Lancaster House and is one of the most impressive properties available. This is a three-bedroom duplex which has two large balconies and plenty of open-plan living spaces.

Caroline Comer, Sales & Marketing Director at Comer Homes, comments “This site has such wonderful history and during the redevelopment we wanted to retain as much of the history as possible. Therefore, there are original features around the development site including the stain glassed windows in the great hall and exposed wooden beams kept from when it was part of the school.

“The heritage of the site has played such an important part for people wanting to secure a home with such incredible historic connections. From starting as a Masonic School for Boys, to then being rented out to the University and finally developing the site into wonderful apartments which has fantastic connections to the centre of London”.

The development at Royal Connaught Park has a wealth of amenities which residents can use. There is a gymnasium, spa, 20m heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna & steam rooms located just below the magnificent dining hall, which has a glass floor in the centre looking down into the swimming pool.

In addition to the dedicated Health & Fitness Centre, residents also have access to an outdoor tennis court, over 100 acres of parkland and a courtesy shuttle bus service that runs throughout the day to key local shopping destinations or Bushey overground station which gets to London Euston in under 15 minutes. There is also underground car parking available for residents, with electric charging units in place for installation, as well as generous cycle storage spaces.

Prices at Royal Connaught Park start from £610,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.