Erdely Villa in Middlesbrough which Home Group is putting back to use

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Author’s old home to create new chapter in the lives of young people in Middlesbrough

Steve Heywood

Steve Heywood, media manager

The former Middlesbrough family home of a famous English author is being transformed to support young people in the town who need help the most.

Erdely Villa, on Marton Road, was once the home of novelist Ernest (Willie) Hornung, who created the hugely popular fictional character AJ Raffles.

Hornung, who was the brother-in-law of fellow author and Sherlock Holmes creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, spent his early years at the family home after being born there in 1866.

Between 1924 and 1979 the building was used as a Convent of the Holy Rood, and somewhere in this time gained the title of the ‘haunted house’.

From 1979 onwards, the building has been used for temporary accommodation.

Now, the author’s former home will provide 12 self-contained flats, staff accommodation and a communal area in order to support young people who are homeless or struggling with other issues.

The service will focus on helping 16-to-24-year-olds who are facing serious challenges in their young lives. It will be Ofsted-registered for those who are 16 and 17 who may be looked after young people, children in need or care leavers.

The property has been empty for seven years but now housing association Home Group is putting it to good use in helping the these young people.

The transformation came about after a partnership between the North East-based housing association and Middlesbrough Council.

Katherine Hernandez, Home Group’s Director of Operations for Teesside and Yorkshire, said: “The building certainly has a rich history and we’re delighted to be able to create a new chapter in its life. This time to support young people who are struggling with varying issues, and to get them back on their feet and into their community.

“We are delighted to have been supported in this project by Middlesbrough Council, who have been excellent.

“Our work at Erdely Villa is designed to support our young people in developing independent living skills over a period of one to two years to assist their move on to independent housing. Our team will then assist with their move on.”

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “It’s great to see a building with such a varied and fascinating history take on a new and vitally important role in the life of our town.

“Erdely Villa will provide young people with the support they need as they tackle life’s challenges and help to prepare them for independent living.”

Erdely Villa will be ready for young people to move in to by the end of March this year.

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