This eye-catching house near Perth was once an RAF airfield's control tower. Photo: Savills
Many surviving buildings and sites that had important roles or were occupied by key people during the Second World War have been restored, repurposed or redeveloped into housing. From former military bases and hospitals to a politician's retreat, all these homes serve as reminders of our wartime past.
1. Royal Haslar, Gosport, Hampshire, from £220,000
Several hundred homes are being created here. Photo: Royal Haslar
For over 250 years, this Georgian naval hospital cared for sick and wounded sailors and marines, including casualties from the Napoleonic, Boer and Falklands Wars as well as from the First and Second World Wars.
It’s now being transformed into a waterside village of more than 550 new and converted apartments and houses, in 62 acres of grounds with views of the English Channel, Portsmouth and towards the Isle of Wight.
The first 38 of 146 homes — a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, many catering for retirement living — are on sale in Grade II-listed Trinity House. Larger than average, they incorporate high ceilings, big windows and original architectural features.
You might have spotted the development in a recent episode of BBC’s Interior Design Masters, when contestants were tasked with designing show apartments. By Royal Haslar through Fox & Sons.
2. Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, from £334,995
As RAF Alconbury, the site was heavily involved in intelligence and reconnaissanc throughout the Second World War. Photo: Urban&Civic
Three-, four- and five-bedroom houses are currently available from David Wilson Homes, one of several house builders at this new community, master developed by Urban&Civic.
This site was previously RAF Alconbury, an airbase operational from 1938 and under the control of both the British and American Air Forces.
The 80th anniversary of VE Day is being commemorated at Alconbury on Saturday 10 May with an event featuring live 1940s-themed music, military vehicles and more. Via David Wilson Homes and Urban & Civic.
Nearly 100 years after it was built, the former radio station has been given a new lease of life. Photo: Connells
This spacious seven-bedroom, three-bathroom single storey home forms part of a property established as a Marconi radio station in 1927. A vital communications hub between Winston Churchill and General Eisenhower — then supreme commander of the Allied Forces in Europe — in World War Two, it was here that the first message about the Falklands invasion was received in 1982.
The radio station closed in 2000 and has recently been turned into nine luxury homes, known as Falkland Court. Contact Connells.
4. Tower Wynd, Calthymore, Perth, offers over £1.65m
The distinctive converted control tower is the centrepiece of a new development. Photo: Savills
The Control Tower was originally the control tower at RAF Findo Gask, opened in 1941 as a flying training airfield.
Converted in 2020, it’s the largest and most distinctive home in a new residential neighbourhood, comprising over 4,200 square feet of contemporary accommodation spread over four floors.
It includes four bedrooms, a huge open plan kitchen, sitting and dining room, a roof terrace and sun room. There’s also a lift, triple garage, gym and and landscaped garden. Find out more from Savills.
5. Hughenden Valley, Buckinghamshire, £1.695m
This well-preserved barn conversion probably knows a secret or two. Photo: Winkworth
Hughenden, the country estate of Victorian prime minister Benjamin Disraeli, was requisitioned by the Air Ministry in World War Two and used as a secret base for producing maps for RAF bombing missions.
This character-packed late 18th century barn conversion was formerly part of the Hughenden estate — now run by the National Trust — and overlooks its grounds.
It consists of four bedrooms, three reception rooms, two bathrooms and a lovely garden, and an adjoining two-bedroom converted barn is available to purchase separately. Get in touch with Winkworth.
Anthony Eden lived and hosted Winston Churchill here. Photo: Lucky Sam Photo
During the Second World War, Park Gate was the home of Anthony Eden — then secretary of state for war who went on to become prime minister — and where he hosted Winston Churchill.
The 15th century, six-bedroom Grade II-listed house provided plenty of privacy and space, sitting in nearly six acres of land and boasting over 5,000 square feet of living space.
Rooms are well-proportioned and full of period features such as timber beams and fireplaces, and there's a self-contained one-bedroom cottage — believed to have been built for Eden’s chauffeur — an outbuilding with stables and a tennis court. Via Strutt & Parker.
7. Frenchay Park House, Frenchay, Bristol, £4m
Frenchay Park House is versatile enough to accommodate paying guests. Photo: Carter Jonas
Grade II-listed mansion Frenchay Park House has come full circle. Built in the middle of the 18th century as a family home, it was used as a hospital in World War Two and owned by the NHS until about 10 years ago when it was sold and restored back to a private residence by the current owners. It’s set over five floors and arranged in four sections — a six-bedroom East Wing, a seven-bedroom West Wing and two smaller apartments, allowing for a variety of uses. Through Carter Jonas.
Sumptuous enough for a world leader, the house is in a private estate. Photo: Nick Ayliffe
At 12,500 square feet, Telegraph Cottage is somewhat bigger than a typical cottage. It's also rich with history as General — later president — Eisenhower used to stay here during wartime visits to England.
In recent years it’s been fully modernised and upgraded, and has eight ensuite bedrooms, six reception rooms, an indoor swimming pool and a south-facing garden. From Fine & Country.
