New Buildings

In April 2006 planning permission and Listed Building Consent was given for the construction of a new dining hall and a swimming pool in the walled garden. Permission was also granted for internal alterations to the Mansion building once vacated by the kitchen and dining facilities. The completion of this work will mark the culmination of the original plans for Somerhill. It is the biggest project – apart from the actual purchase of Somerhill in 1989 – that will have been undertaken.

The development will also allow us to function far more effectively within the mansion and provide us with a much needed facility. The pool and dining hall are 'sunk' within the walled garden, largely hidden from view.

Update: Final on the Swimming Pool/Dining Hall

The new dining area has been up and running since October and the swimming pool since the start of the Lent Term and they are proving to be everything we expected and more! Teachers have been trained to take swimming groups and use of the pool by pupils is now fully underway. We are all delighted with the new build and count ourselves most fortunate to have such superb facilities. The snagging continues on the walled garden project and I will continue on your behalf with the planting, keeping an eye on the gardens and various other now "mini projects" - so different from 19 years ago ! You can see a photographic history of the pool and dining hall in our photo galleries.

Update: The Mansion

Throughout the summer work continued on the refurbishments to the mansion and we are thrilled with the new classrooms, finishing kitchen, staff toilets, first aid room and disabled toilet. The reference library and library have also had the final work carried out to the panelling and with the additon of an oak door.  It is wonderful that after the school moving almost twenty years ago to Somerhill that this work is complete.   Many of you will see these enhanced facilities on your visits to the school.  You will be pleased to see that the bay window that formed part of the old kitchen at the front of the mansion is slowly being refurbished.  We are proud of the detailed work which has been carried out to what is now Room 18, which shows the oak doors, oak window surrounds, period radiators and oak shelving, and  Room 19 which was the two accounts offices, corridor and cupboard .  These windows will for the first time be draught proof and will open!    You will also see the window above the entrance by reception; this is now part of Room 19.  In total over twenty windows have been restored for, in the region of, £35,000.    The works were visited recently by twenty five members of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Planning Department who were delighted with the above works and the dining hall, pool and walled garden planting.   We are acutely aware that the planners as well as English Heritage keep a watchful eye on all we do. Some images of the new developments can be seen in our photo galleries.
 
Diane M. Huntingford