Upstairs / The maisonette

The maisonette

We’re exploring future uses for the upstairs flat. Our priority is to restore it to excellent condition with conservation specialists.

AI-generated Georgian living-room study with panelled windows, timber floor, fireplace and period furniture — One possible Georgian living-room interior. AI-generated design study, not an agreed design.

A vacant upstairs room with a sash window — A vacant room in the maisonette, July 2026.

Exploring possible designs

A heritage-inspired interior?

One idea is overnight accommodation for visitors to the town, with an interior inspired by the early eighteenth century.

The Georgian study explores period colours, furniture and room details alongside modern facilities. It is a starting point for discussion.

Conservation specialists will help us understand and repair the building’s historic fabric. That work will guide the options for its future use and design.

The ground-floor café awaiting refurbishment — The ground-floor café, whose future use is being explored.

A possible source of income

Helping to subsidise the ground floor

Income from overnight stays could help subsidise whatever offer is developed for the ground floor. We’re exploring how this could work after the accommodation’s own costs.

An existing upstairs room with a sash window — An existing upstairs room, July 2026.

01 / VISITORS

Visitor accommodation

Could the flat provide distinctive overnight accommodation for visitors to Shepton Mallet?

Madhatters shopfront beneath the maisonette windows — The café and maisonette at 19 Town Street.

02 / INCOME

Income for the ground floor

Guest stays could contribute towards the costs of the ground-floor activities and services.

Madhatters café on Town Street with tables and a parasol outside — An earlier view of Madhatters and Town Street.

03 / PERFORMERS

Accommodation for visiting performers

The flat could also host visiting performers and other talent as part of entertainment packages in Shepton.

The living room before refurbishment, with exposed flooring and its existing windows — The existing living room before refurbishment.

Design and refurbishment

Plans for the maisonette

We’ll share the options, conservation work and progress as the project develops. If visitor accommodation goes ahead, we’ll publish details of overnight stays nearer opening.

See the project timeline