Site Information
Example of a Lease
Please note that several clauses of the lease no longer apply since leaseholders have exercised their Right To Manage. This includes all management responsibilities of the freeholder with exception of the right of forfeiture. The sub-letting clause requiring leaseholders to seek permission from the freeholder to sub-let is now the responsibility of the Right To Manage Company and no fee is charged for permission to sub-let.
The Freeholder’s title
The title was obtained from the Land Registry on 22 December 2014 and is available below.
A more recent search on 14 August 2017 shows that the freehold is owned by Wallace Estates Limited
As of 14 August 2017 The Freeholder’s registered office was:
Botanic House, Hills Road, Cambridge, England, CB2 1PH
42 Cricklade Street – Vilett House
Among the most striking historic buildings in Old Town, Vilett House on Cricklade Street has been part of Swindon's story for almost three centuries. Built in the early 1700s as a grand private residence, it was once home to some of the area's most prominent landowners and reflects the wealth and status of Old Swindon during the Georgian period.
Originally home to some of Swindon’s most prominent residents, including members of the Harding family and later Thomas Vilett and his wife Mary Goddard, the house reflects a period when Old Swindon was home to wealthy landowners and local gentry. Its impressive architecture and prominent position made it one of the town’s finest private residences.
One of the building's most fascinating features lies beneath it. Hidden below the house is an extensive network of brick-vaulted cellars, far more elaborate than ordinary storage spaces. Over the years, these underground chambers have inspired countless stories, including local legends that they may have been linked to smuggling activity in what was then North Wiltshire during the 18th century.
These tales are closely connected to Wiltshire's famous "Moonrakers" folklore, in which ingenious smugglers allegedly outwitted excise officers by pretending to rake the moon's reflection from a pond while recovering hidden barrels of spirits.
Like many historic buildings, Vilett House has adapted to changing times. During the 19th century it became professional offices and remained in commercial use for well over a century before falling vacant in the early 2000s.
Today, following a careful restoration, Vilett House has been given a new lease of life as residential apartments. As a focal point within Swindon's Old Town Conservation Area, it stands as a reminder of the town's rich heritage and the importance of preserving the historic buildings that contribute so much to the character of our community.
37 Cricklade Street – Betjeman House
Located within the heart of Swindon's historic Old Town, Betjeman House occupies a prominent Victorian building on Cricklade Street that has formed part of the townscape for well over a century. Originally constructed before 1900, the property reflects the character and architectural richness of Old Swindon during a period of significant growth and prosperity.
Historical records indicate that the building was formerly the Oddfellows Arms, a local public house serving residents and visitors during the late Victorian and early twentieth centuries. Trade directories record publicans including Frederick Hooper and later Wilfred Hewer, providing a fascinating glimpse into the building's role at the heart of community life.
Like many buildings in Old Town, the property evolved to meet changing needs over time. Following the decline of many traditional town-centre public houses during the twentieth century, the building was eventually converted for residential use, ensuring its continued place within the local community while preserving its historic presence on one of Swindon's oldest streets.
Today, Betjeman House provides distinctive residential apartments within the Old Town Conservation Area. Its survival and adaptation illustrate how historic buildings can be successfully repurposed for modern living while continuing to contribute to the unique character and heritage of this important part of Swindon.
Named in honour of Sir John Betjeman, the celebrated poet and champion of Britain's architectural heritage, Betjeman House stands as a fitting example of historic preservation and renewal in the heart of Old Town.
External Lighting Plan
Individual RTM Companies
In order to exercise Right To Manage for the entire site four Right To Manage companies had to be registered. The first was Brock End RTM Company Ltd covering Croft House and Newport House. Southwich House RTM Company Ltd was registered for the leaseholders at Southwich House to exercise their Right to Manage. Cricklade Street RTM Company Ltd was registered for the leaseholders at Betjeman House and Scott House (counted as one joint property as they are physically connected) to exercise their Right to Manage. Finally Vilett House RTM Company Ltd was registered for the leaseholders at Vilett House to exercise their Right to Manage. Each of the companies established after Brock End RTM Company Ltd was formed have delegated management responsibilities to Brock End RTM Company Ltd which is responsible for managing the entire site.
Southwich House RTM Company Ltd delegation agreement
Cricklade Street RTM Company Ltd delegation agreement
Vilett House RTM Company Ltd delegation agreement