Felden Lodge

Witherslack Group, a provider of specialist education and care for children and young people, has purchased Felden Lodge in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, for £5.25 million.

Felden Lodge is an 18.55-acre property that has been The Boys’ Brigade’s training centre in England for more than 70 years.

Witherslack Group operates a network of schools and children’s homes across the UK, and plans to transform Felden Lodge into a special educational needs school with specialist facilities.

The property consists of five buildings. The main house has 27 bedrooms, a lounge, dining room, five meeting rooms, office space and a chapel. There is a purpose-built accommodation block, a fully equipped kitchen and dining/lounge area, and an activity hall. The property also includes a multifunctional sports hall with changing facilities, a dance studio, and outdoor sports amenities including a hard tennis court and grass playing fields.

Witherslack Group’s chief financial officer Steve Bacon 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 commented: “The sale will help our organisation secure financial stability for the longer term and continue our vital work supporting young people across the country to 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.”

Property consultancy Knight Frank facilitated the sale.

Jasper Upton, associate in education and charities at Knight Frank, said: “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.”