Felden Lodge , Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3

The property has been used as a residential training Centre for The Boys' Brigade since it was opened in 1949, with accommodation in two of the buildings. The main house has 27 bedrooms (23 twin, 1 double, and 3 single rooms designed for elderly and/or disabled guests), a lounge, a dining room, 5 meeting rooms, office space, and a chapel.

The Thurso Centre is a separate, purpose-built accommodation block comprising of 8 bunk bedrooms with capacity for 26 beds and shared shower/ WC facilities, 1 accessible bedroom with en suite, a fully equipped kitchen dining/lounge room, and an activity hall.

Away from the accommodation space is a multifunctional sports hall that provides male and female changing facilities with showers and WCs on the ground floor and a games room on the first floor, a further outbuilding known as 'The Shed' accommodates a dance studio and office space. There are outdoor sports facilities including a hard tennis court and grass playing fields. The camping facilities within the grounds include a washing up area
and a fire circle. The site is bordered by mature tree and encompassed within approximately 18.50 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside.

History

Located south of the historic town of Hemel Hempstead and nestled within the south west Hertfordshire countryside, Felden Lodge has been an important site for The Boys' Brigade for seventy years.

Felden Lodge came to public attention in 1911 when it was listed for sale and later purchased by a local politician - Mr Cooper - who was a Borough member for nearby Berkhamsted. Between the two World Wars, Felden Lodge was listed for sale once more and was sold to Charles Albert Hall in
1933, the year when The Boys' Brigade was celebrating its Jubilee. During the Second World War, the property was used as a hostel for Dutch and Belgian refugees before returning to the open market after a brief period of ownership by Oxford University.

By the late 1940s, The Boys' Brigade was searching for a suitable location for a training centre in England, having purchased Carronvale House,
tirlingshire, as a training hub for Scotland and Ireland in 1947. Thanks to a generous donation from the South Africa Aid to Britain Fund, the Brigade was able to purchase Felden Lodge to serve the training needs of the organisation in England and, on 22 October 1949, was officially opened by
the late Duke of Gloucester.

Since its opening Felden Lodge has been a centre of activity for The Boys' Brigade and has been the venue for a diverse range of training activities. The Boys' Brigade have developed the site over the years, and Felden Lodge has expanded to accommodate the changing needs of the organisation. A sports hall was opened on 30 March 1989, and the 1990s witnessed dramatic changes to the appearance of the centre. The redevelopment project, formed of three phases, saw a new accommodation block and renovations of the existing house.

Now in its 70th year, Felden Lodge has been used extensively for The Boys' Brigade training and events. In addition, it has been utilised by external groups who are attracted to the extensive range of facilities which are ideal for residential retreats, conferences, and training courses. As the
organisation's needs have changed over time, the Trustees have undertaken a review of the property assets, and has resulted in the property being put to market.

Felden Lodge is just to south west of Hemel Hempstead, within the rural location that is Felden. The property is located just to the south of the A41 which provides good road connection to the M25 and the wider road network across the UK. The site is in close proximity to Hemel Hempstead rail station, providing direct access to Central London via Euston Station in around 30 minutes.

Hemel Hempstead is situated in the London commuter belt, attracting an affluent population to the surrounding area with its rolling rural location and abundance of amenities. There is a well-equipped, modern shopping centre in the heart of Hemel Hempstead which is occupied by a range of popular fashion stores as well as the likes of Marks & Spencer. There are numerous state and private schools in the area, as well as leisure facilities including
golf courses, the indoor Snow Centre; London's closest real snow facility.

Access to the property is gained off a road which connects to Longcroft Lane to the south, and Felden Lane to the north. The latter is owned by a third party over which the property currently has access rights. The site extends to over 18 acres and is screened to the north and east by a dense belt of trees. To the south, a belt of mature trees borders the site boundary with open fields beyond this. To the east lies a collection of buildings and undeveloped
land. Existing residential development is located beyond this in the north, east, and western direction.