St. John's Seminary, Guildford, GU5

KEY FEATURES
A 45-acre estate in the Surrey Hills AONB, blending village charm with country living just 15 minutes from Guildford and 45 minutes from London.
Iconic Grade II listed former seminary, built in 1895 with stunning Dutch/Jacobean architecture and meticulously preserved features.
Planning Permission for 52 new homes, seamlessly blending heritage and modern design.
Potential to deliver longer term housing development on the wider 45-acres of land.
Planning consent offers a unique mix of accommodations from large lateral apartments to townhouses and detached lodges.
Sustainable development with focus on energy efficiency, ecological uplift, and preservation of mature landscaping.
Rare opportunity to create a landmark residential community in one of the UK’s most sought-after locations.
Potential to deliver alternative use classes including Hotel, Retirement living subject to achieving appropriate consent.

THE PLANNING PERMISSION
The property represents an exclusive opportunity to acquire an iconic and unique listed building in Surrey set within 45 acres of potential strategic development land. Planning permission allows for the development of 52 new dwellings spread across the Property. The design of the scheme enables a range of living typologies from large lateral apartments to townhouses and detached houses, ensuring a high-quality product at a range of price-points for purchasers. The application was granted a decision notice on 18th February 2025 with implementation required within 3 years.

THE WIDER ESTATE
The grounds of St John’s extend to circa 45-acres with the Grade II Listed Roman Catholic former seminary occupies the central southern area of the Estate. To the east of the main building are open fields which lead to a strip of woodland marking the boundary of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The west of the site is characterised by woodland, opening onto a sports pitch with a detached dwelling and open fields beyond. Given the shortage of Housing delivery across Waverley Borough Council, currently having a 5-year housing land supply of 1.28 years (Jan 2025), there are portions of the Estate that have potential to offer some longer-term residential development prospects and would be worth promoting through the Local Plan at the appropriate time. of this date.

LOCATION
St john’s is situated in the picturesque village of Wonersh, within the borough of Waverley. Wonersh is situated within The Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Guildford is circa 15 minutes from the property and London circa 40 minutes.