A RENOVATION scheme costing £1.7m has transformed two 835-year-old buildings in County Durham into high-quality sheltered housing. The Grade II listed Thornley House and Shincliffe House buildings, have been refurbished on the Sherburn House Charity Estate - the site of a former medieval hospital, near Durham. It includes an impressive five-bedroom property. The project has delivered 14 self-contained flats for over 55s, including 12 sheltered accommodation and two general needs flats, which are available for affordable rent. A five-bedroom home has been created which is suitable for adults who could benefit from communal living with a home-from-home atmosphere. Pauline Bishop, Chief Executive of Sherburn House Charity, said: “The transformation of the almshouse properties is incredible and now fits perfectly with the high-quality refurbishment of our care home.