Once forgotten, now fully restored — The Old School House has been brought back to life through a full commercial refurbishment that celebrates its rich history and architectural character.

Originally built in 1845 as The National School, the building served generations of Ampthill children before closing its doors in 1954. Since then, it passed through various incarnations — from a car dealership to a gold shop and finally a flooring showroom — before falling into serious disrepair.

When Orchards acquired the property, it had been left unloved for nearly 40 years. We found broken windows, crumbling walls, and a suspended ceiling that masked the stunning original roofline and period features.

Our in-house team carried out a sensitive yet transformative refurbishment. From structural repairs and bespoke joinery to period-correct finishes and energy-efficient upgrades, every detail was handled with care to preserve the building's integrity while making it fit for modern commercial use.

Now proudly home to Orchards, The Old School House is once again a valued part of the community — a symbol of how heritage and thoughtful renovation can go hand in hand