Donington eyesore pub transformed into new development

A former eyesore which has blighted a village centre for years has been converted into smart new homes.

When Jamie Sandford and Robert Bridgewater, who run API Investments, bought the Red Cow Hotel in Donington, it was a derelict shell of its former glory with 6ft weeds growing in its courtyard.

But after months of hard work and a few challenges along the way, this important building has been renovated and converted into housing - with the first residents already moved in.

And this amazing transformation adds to Mr Sandford and Mr Bridgewater’s sterling track record of converting some of the area’s most derelict eyesores - such as The Chequers in Holbeach.

A total of 18 homes have been created within the Red Cow, its former ballroom and in the court yard.

Mr Sandford said: “It is a project to be proud of. We came up against a lot of challenges - some were more difficult than we anticipated. Our original estimate for the work was 16 months which we hoped to cut down to 12 months but it took 14 months in total.

“It has really changed the look of Donington and we have had so many positive comments.”

This is a far cry from the building they bought via an auction last year.

Mr Sandford said: “One of the things I am proud of is the transformation of the court yard, which is now Red Cow Drive.

“That area before was just weeds which were 6ft high, now it is a nice landscaped area which is going to be used for years to come.”

There are now three three storey houses within the main building of the hotel.

Mr Sandford said: “One of the biggest challenges were the windows. Initially we looked at repairing them but in the end it as more cost effective to replace the majority of them.

“We like taking on challenging properties like the Red Cow and the Chequers so we can make a difference as well as producing new homes.

“We are really not interested in the new build type and prefer the conversions as they are challenges.

“The buildings are not straightforward and simple. You are constantly coming up against challenges. They are enjoyable projects.”

They have a number of smaller projects around the Spalding, Boston and Holbeach areas.