PLANS have been revealed to bring a remarkable Grade II listed Bewdley building with links to Rudyard Kipling back into long-term use for the community to enjoy.
The Ribbesford House Estate has been bought by Solanki Holdings UK from the property mogul and social media personality Samuel Leeds for a reported £450,000.
The chairman of the firm, Nirad Solanki, revealed the intention now was to carefully bring the estate back into long-term use while respecting its historic character.
Mr Solanki said early concepts included luxury residential accommodation within the main house.
He added potential commercial uses across the wider estate would be explored to involve the community and for people to enjoy the surroundings.
He added: “Buildings like this are part of local history, and I’m incredibly excited to play a role in bringing it back to life.
“We have exciting plans in our heads and really want to bring this listed site back to life.
“Naturally, all our ideas will be subject to Listed Building Consent, planning permission and engaging with the local communities, but we are dedicated and committed.
“There is a commercial element to all things, but we are extremely confident we can make this into something glorious for centuries to come.
“More updates soon as we develop plans.”
Met with local people
Mr Solanki visited the estate with his immediate family and senior staff over the weekend and met with around 40 local people.
One historian drove 90 minutes to introduce herself and offer her expertise.
Mr Solanki added: “An 82-year-old lady was also there, and she looked up at the staircase and told us the last time she climbed those stairs was 1967.
“She paused, smiled, and said I just hope you finish it before I’m gone.
“A gentleman was there who grew up in one of the apartments in the bottom right of the house, telling us how he and his sister used to race their bicycles around these very gardens in the 70s.
“The joy on his face walking those grounds again was worth every single thing we’ve put into this project so far.”
Historical interest
The property has been visited by former Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, ‘The Jungle Book’ writer Rudyard Kipling and General Charles de Gaulle, who led the Free French against Nazi Germany.
An outline planning application, submitted by the previous owner, to reconfigure the Grade II listed building to create 22 homes was submitted in 2023 and has been awaiting a decision since May 2025.
