Completion nears on work to turn listed mansion estate into gated community

The development of an £8m gated community in Leeds is almost complete.

Cliff Oaks, on a hillside overlooking the city centre, is a project by developer Priestley Homes to restore a previously derelict site.

The scheme is located on the former estate of Grade II-listed mansion, Cliff House. The mansion house itself has been converted into eight apartments in total, seven two and three-bedrooms, and a four-bedroom penthouse, complete with a roof terrace.

The next phase of the development, due to complete construction in spring 2022, involves the conversion of the estates’ stables into four three-bedroom, semi-detached houses with private gardens and a central courtyard.

Cliff House was built in 1846 by Joseph Cliff, a Leeds businessman and local councillor. Between 1966 – 1998, Cliff House was home to a community school, Newcliffe House School.

Priestley Home has spent the past few years restoring the site and turning it into a luxury gated estate, which will comprise 25 new homes when finished.

Nathan Priestley, chief executive officer of Priestley Homes, said: “As a Leeds-based business, we’re passionate about investing back into the city and contributing to the regeneration of areas, such as Wortley.

“Leeds is an increasingly sought-after place to live and work, and Cliff Oaks meets the demand for luxury housing.

“We have seen a great deal of interest throughout construction, and we’ve definitely saved the best until last with the stables conversion and the remaining mansion house apartments – they’re something special that adds to the wider landscape of Leeds.”