The former home of a renowned Victorian-era painter and film director in Bushey has been turned into eight new apartments.

Shanly Homes, an independent property developer, transformed the remains of Sir Hubert von Herkomer’s historic ‘Lululand’ house in Bushey, keeping some of the original features.

Sir Hubert von Herkomer, who lived in Bushey for most of his life, was a British painter of German descent, and also a pioneering film-director and composer.

The new development, now called Mawson Gardens, incorporates the historic façade of Lululand which was built by Sir Hubert von Herkomer at the end of the nineteenth century in the style of a Bavarian castle.

The grand house fell into disrepair in the 1920s and was demolished in 1939, leaving only the Grade II entrance porch and front wall, which later became the entrance of the local British Legion clubhouse. Following the closure of the clubhouse in 2011 due to the cost of maintaining the building, the site once again stood empty.

Shanly Homes, working in close partnership with Bushey Museum Trust, saved the front of the building, incorporating it into the entrance of the new development which consists of eight two-bedroom apartments.

Working with the museum, Shanly Homes is also displaying heritage boards outside the development for the local community to highlight the historic nature of the site and its importance to Bushey.

Shanly Homes’ Regional Managing Director, Amar Alkhalil, said: "Lululand is a fascinating part of Bushey’s heritage.

"Working with the Council, Bushey Museum and the local community, Shanly Homes has sought to preserve the façade of this historic house while providing attractive new homes for locals and those aspiring to live in the area."

Hugh Lewis, Vice-Chairman of Bushey Museum Trust, said: "We are pleased with Shanly Home’s efforts to maintain such an important part of local history and save it from falling into disrepair."