ONE of Winchester’s grandest houses is set to be returned to its original use – as a home.

The city council has given permission for Hyde Abbey House on Hyde Street to have a change of use from offices to a single family home.

The authoritative Pevsner’s guide to the architecture of Hampshire says the building dates back to the 17th century but with a late Georgian facade.

Hyde in Living Memory, produced by the Hyde 900 local history group, said the building, pictured, was a private hotel and restaurant from 1950 to 1975.

It was Hyde Abbey School from 1750 to 1855 and famous old boys included George Canning, British prime minister in 1827; and Henry Sewell, the first prime minister of New Zealand.

Its last use was as a base for a French pharmaceutical company.

The value of the building will depend on the amount of work that needs doing but it will certainly be a seven-figure sum. Applicant Palace Capital (Signal) Limited was asked for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.