Founded in about 1200, the Grade-I-listed Maison Dieu has served as a place of hospitality for pilgrims and travellers, victualling yard for the Royal Navy, prison, courthouse and town hall. Despite its immense cultural and historical importance to Dover, it had become little known and was in desperate need of significant repair.
Appointed by Dover District Council, Haverstock led the design team in the careful and complex revitalisation of the Maison Dieu through extensive conservation, repair and redecoration over 11 years, introducing a new accessible high-street entrance, community spaces and Landmark Trust holiday let, reigniting this civic landmark and securing a vibrant, sustainable future for this much needed community asset.
Heritage & Conservation
Dover, UK
2025
The project began with a strategic masterplan for the site’s long-term sustainability, grounded in rigorous research and a comprehensive Statement of Significance. This evolved into a full-scale conservation project, removing intrusive 20th-century additions and reinstating the original William Burges design.
A key achievement was the uncovering and meticulous recreation of the authentic decorative scheme in the Connaught Hall and Mayors’ Parlour, a previously hidden masterpiece of Victorian ornamentation. Accessibility has been central to the project throughout, with the introduction of a welcoming ‘shop window’ high street entrance and level access throughout the complex building.
The reawakening of the Maison Dieu is a major civic achievement for Dover, bringing renewed purpose to an overlooked landmark and delivering lasting investment to one of the UK’s most deprived areas.
During the project, various opportunities were offered to young people, including training, apprenticeships, and employment, with over 300 participants engaged through the Festival of Skills (Creative Careers Café events), in partnership with local colleges and schools. This showcased opportunities in heritage, the creative industries and construction, inspired by the project, including practical workshops and building site tours.
Informed by extensive community consultation, the Maison Dieu now offers inclusive guided tours and a diverse programme of events, from live music and comedy nights, to school visits, family-friendly art and craft activities, health and wellbeing workshops, Heritage Open Days and Dover Pride.
Through thoughtful conversation and contemporary adaptation, Haverstock has secured a vibrant future for this historic civic asset.
