We have recently enlisted a local architect to design the new Belvedere for Temperance House, seen in some of the earliest photos of the hotel on the East side of the building, the glazed structure can be seen peeping over the chimney stacks, this has long since perished against the harsh coastal winds and been replaced with less ornate solid structure which allows access to the roof. The word Belvedere is derived from the Italian Belvedere, which means beautiful view, and that's exactly what we wish to embrace. The outlook from the roof allows for panoramic views of the river Crouch, and far-reaching sights of ships on the Thames Estuary and Clacton wind turbines on a clear day. The bespoke Belvedere will also enhance the natural light flow to the second-floor apartment to complete the development. In 2001 previous owners had made an application for the erection of a roof top belvedere along with increasing the height of the roof parapet. The work on the parapet was carried out but the belvedere was never constructed, that application has since expired. 2022 UPDATE: New plans submitted November 2021 for the addition of a rooftop Belvedere has been granted permission. P lans to start this part of the development will begin spring 2024. P hotos to follow!

Even with D4G's combined level of experience within property development this project, through shear volume, challenged us. Two apartments, two commercial area's a cellar and courtyard. This project was to see us dedicate two years and still counting, to oversee each and every aspect. Taking on the role of project manager, which in its broadest sense requires planing, organisation, direction and the ability to budget, with a healthy dose of management, communication skills and above all the ability to pick ones self up after set backs and keep going, after all we walked into this project with our eyes wide open, we had to be 100% committed. Every wall, ceiling and floor on all levels removed to reveal the stunning and impressive bones of the house, in the form of huge timber oak floor joists and beams. With shared admiration for the original work force that lifted every beam and installed through pure manpower, something that really echoed when an overhead section needed to be repaired, a new joist on top of a beam, with 4 men and a lot of huffing and puffing they managed to replace the section, thankfully the house was gentle with us and remained the only decayed section that needed to be replaced. Even now looking back over the photos we can't believe the scale of this project. We met some amazing trades on the way, EFM Interiors, James and Cory, thank you for your hard work dedication and endless laughs. Scaffolding was erected 2019 to address the facade, some repair with lime plaster was required by a local stonemason and refurbish of windows and walls. Modern clay paint and linseed for joinery was selected to allow the walls to breath essential for an old building. Photographs of plastered gargoyles can be viewed on the residential project page, amongst the selection of floral sculptures there where two distinct faces, a victorian gentleman sporting glorious side whiskers and a female form which has not faired as well with extensive corrosion unfortunately a lot of detail has been lost. With the hotel taking on the prestigious Royal title when it was built we believe that the two faces are those of our Queen Victoria and Prince Albert but with limited documented detail about the build this remains just a theory.

The ground floor with its classic original Victorian double-glazed shopfront would along with nearly all of the grand exterior remain predominately unchanged. The D4G development would concentrate on the reconfiguration of a new internal layout, which with its rich history afforded us the means to consider a number of possible configurations. The ground floor architectural design allowed for a subdivision of the commercial space into two units. T he main benefits of this new arrangement would be to help with business rates and assist with shared commercial costs across both structures ensuring a more sustainable proposal for any future business. Temperance House has been modified many times over the years from, hotel, restaurants, wine bars, coffee shops, residential and offices. Plans were submitted and approved in October 2017 for the subdivision of the existing-two story residential apartment in to two apartments, and the subdivision of existing ground floor A3 cafe with addition to create B1 office. Despite a few concerns voiced by the locals at the time, we are very pleased to say that both businesses especially the new coffee shop are thriving and already a much-loved addition to the town. To view D4G progress take a look through our projects, we have documented a number of phases throughout the development. If you or your family have had a connection to the building over the years we would love to hear your stories.