10 Connaught Gardens, Clacton On Sea (EHER 80403)

Based on historical research and cartographic analysis, the building appears to date from the early part of the 20th century. It was possibly built sometime between the years 1909 and 1914, and possibly for Harry Norman Dunnett, Justice of the Peace. The house was originally called Dunedin.

Level 1 Historic Building Survey, 2022 Based on historical research and cartographic analysis, the building appears to date from the early part of the 20th century. It was possibly built sometime between the years 1909 and 1914, and possibly for Harry Norman Dunnett, Justice of the Peace. The house was originally called Dunedin. Based on early maps and aerial photographs the building may have originally been formed of the main building on the road frontage, a roughly square building, formed of the main residential area and possible service wing to the northeast. A conservatory is shown on early 20th century maps on the southeastern side. The main residence was built on three levels accessed via a main staircase leading off the main entrance hallway, with doorway to the south elevation. Living rooms were present on the ground floor, with a possible kitchen area in the northern wing. A second set of rear stairs led to the first floor level above the kitchen. This was at a slightly lower level than the other rooms at first floor level in the main house. First floor level in the main house comprised two main bedrooms to the west, with smaller rooms to north and south. At second floor level it is likely that originally only three rooms were present above the main house, with a fourth room or rooms above the northern wing. This room was again at a slightly lower floor level than the rest of the second floor and could only be accessed from a small landing area half way up the main staircase. It is possible that the northeastern service wing and the second floor were used for domestic staff for the original property. The extension to the south east was added at some point in the 20th century, possibly mid-20th century as it comprised concrete beams and a flat roof (possibly indicating a wartime build when timber resources were scarce). It replaced the earlier conservatory. Glass panels in the wall above the conservatory may be remnants salvaged from the earlier conservatory, although this cannot be confirmed. In the latter part of the 20th century the house was converted to a care home. This involved a number of internal changes to the building, sub-dividing rooms and the subsequent rearrangement of doorways. The majority of the rooms had toilets and bathrooms added. The northeastern wing continued in use as a kitchen and a small serving hatch was put through to the southeastern extension when that was converted to the main dining room for the care home. A modern conservatory was placed to the east of the dining room. A lift was also added. The ground and first floors contain original coving that helps to show the original room layout. The windows of the building also include original moulded uprights between the windows. The main staircase and banisters (as far as could be seen) appear original. Only a few skirting boards survived and only one or two door frames. Many of these had been removed and replaced during its use as a care home, with doorways being moved and latterly as fire regulations came in such that the doors themselves were replaced with fire retardant doors and frames. <1>