CARE in the community is proving a bonanza for developers as former mental hospitals are transformed into luxury apartments surrounded by lush country parks with exclusive new homes costing up to £1m each, writes Maggie Hartford.

Work has already started on converting the former Littlemore Hospital in Oxford and the Borocourt Hospital, near Henley, now called Henley Court. Next on the horizon is the Fair Mile at Cholsey.

At Henley Court, the first 12 homes are being built as restoration work starts on the period mansion, which will house 11 luxury apartments.

Developer Bellway Homes has bought the site and has planning permission for 69 three-, four- and five-bedroom homes in the grounds.

Most will be new, but five three-bedroom homes will be converted from a stable block. The walled kitchen garden will be extended to create 12 three-bedroom homes.

Ugly 1960s hospital buildings are being demolished and the original country park is being restored, with two tennis courts planned.

The selling agents at Henley Court, FPD Savills, say prices will range from £330,000 to almost £1m.

The former Victorian asylum at Littlemore is being converted into classy apartments with luxury townhouses in the grounds - a total of 107 homes.

Laing Homes, who bought the site, say they will return the formal landscaped gardens to their original splendour.

The Littlemore site is being developed in partnership with Try Homes. Apartments will cost from about £85,000 and the houses from £140,000.

Six acres at the Littlemore already house the £5m UK research laboratory of drug company Yamanouchi.

The remaining 5.5 acres at Littlemore is still for sale, with planning permission for research and development units.

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