33 Lyonsdown Road: Preserving a Heritage Landmark through Adaptive Reuse

33 Lyonsdown Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire, UK

33 Lyonsdown Road is a rare surviving example of early Victorian domestic architecture in Barnet, dating from around 1840. Originally a private villa, the building has served various community roles over the decades—including as a convent and later a women's refuge—but now faces demolition, with proposals in place to replace it with a modern block of flats.

Simon Kaufman Architects, working in partnership with the Barnet Society, prepared a full feasibility study and viability assessment to demonstrate a more conservation-led approach. Our proposal converts the existing building into apartments, retaining its richly detailed stone porch, panelled entrance hall, and other original features, while delivering a comparable floor area and improved sales values when set against total redevelopment.

Alongside this, we developed proposals for a modest new-build block within the grounds. Designed to sit respectfully alongside the main house, it mirrors key proportions and materials while maintaining distance from neighbouring properties.

This alternative vision was supported with site plans, financial appraisals, and heritage justification. We continue to engage with the landowner to promote a design-led conservation strategy that protects this important local building from unnecessary loss.