Article: Oh Brother, it's Avalon; The former Douai Abbey School, Berkshire, is being turned into tranquil and spacious new homes, with commuters counting monks among their neighbours, discovers David Spittles.

Byline: DAVID SPITTLES

CONSTRUCTION sites are famous for the colourful "industrial" language mouthed by labourers and tradesmen. But you won't hear any blaspheming at Avalon. Benedictine monks set the tone at the former Douai Abbey School, which sits in secluded splendour in the Berkshire countryside. The listed school is being redeveloped by Bewley Homes, but monks retain the site's freehold and continue to live in accommodation in the abbey next door.

One of the contractual conditions imposed by the monks is that builders do not swear on site. "Remarkably, it's worked," smiles Colin Brooks, Bewley's chairman.

Tranquility is what you get on ...

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