 In 1920 the house and surrounding was in the ownership of the Avon Rubber Company, purchased for use as the company club and sports centre for the "social welfare of their employees".The formal opening of the club took place on 11 December 1920, but just days later a fire broke out destroying much of the house, and all that could be salvaged was the façade which has remained intact to this day.The damaged part of the house was rebuilt in a manner more suited to a sports club.