08 Mar From History to Modern Comfort: Summerleigh and Wild Oak Villa
Summerleigh and Wild Oak Villa show how an old site can feel fresh, warm and easy to live in today. You get a clear link between history and modern comfort in every part of Wild Oak Lane.
A Historic Story Brought Back to Life
Summerleigh is the restored Channon House, once a boys’ boarding residence for Queen’s School. The building sits in Wild Oak Lane, a 19th century setting with the feel of grand villas in a quiet area.
In December 2024, William Abbott Group bought Channon House to return it to proper residential use. That choice shaped every step that followed, from planning approval through to detailed layout and finishes.
Summerleigh: History to Modern Comfort
Summerleigh turns the old Channon House into a high quality home with real heritage character. Innobuild removed PVC windows that did not suit the facade and fitted handcrafted timber sash windows that match the original style.
Inside, rooms follow a modern take on period design. You see classic proportions and detailing, but you also get luxury finishes, practical layouts and spaces that work for daily life.
If you plan your own heritage project, first list the features that give the building its personality, such as windows, staircases and cornices. Then plan how to add modern heating, storage and lighting so the home feels easy to live in every day.
Wild Oak Villa: Contemporary Partner to a Historic Home
Wild Oak Villa sits beside Summerleigh as part of the same Wild Oak Lane project. It is a high quality contemporary detached home that still respects the scale and feel of the original villas.
The two homes share a common design language through proportions, window rhythm and key materials. As a result, the street feels calm and joined up rather than like a mix of random styles.
You can use the same idea if you add a new build next to an older home. Match the main lines, roof shapes and openings, and then use clean, modern detailing inside.
Wild Oak Lane: Heritage Reimagined for Modern Living
Wild Oak Lane is a small collection of three homes that blend timeless elegance with modern luxury. The plan includes two period style Wild Oak Villas and one contemporary detached house, all focused on refined living with strong character.
Teams removed unsightly PVC windows and brought back traditional timber sash frames to restore the street view. Inside, each home combines classic architecture with modern design, so you see heritage details but feel current comfort and function.
How Innobuild Turns History into Modern Comfort
Innobuild is the construction, renovation and finishing division of William Abbott Group. The team focuses on tailored builds and bespoke renovations, so each home reflects the exact needs of the owner.
On projects like Summerleigh and Wild Oak Villa, Innobuild uses precise craftsmanship, high quality finishes and smart technical choices. The team plans insulation, ventilation and, where suitable, renewable systems so an older shell performs like a modern home.
This mix of respect for heritage and focus on performance allows a 19th century house to feel warm, efficient and ready for family life today.
Practical Ideas You Can Use in Your Own Project
If you want to take your own property from history to modern comfort, you can borrow some clear steps from Wild Oak Lane. Start with a simple plan that covers what you will protect, what you will upgrade and what you will change.
Outside, pick out the features that define the building, such as window pattern, brickwork, roof shape and front door. Repair or replace these with good materials so the home keeps its story while looking cared for.
Inside, map how you live now and design rooms around that pattern. Use a clear layout, built in storage, natural light and a few period inspired details so the space feels both practical and rooted in its past.
Plan comfort into the fabric of the building. Good insulation, efficient heating and smart ventilation will make the house quieter, cheaper to run and much nicer to use through the year.
If you want support, Innobuild specialises in this mix of heritage work, modern performance and custom finishes, from early ideas through to handover.