THE restoration of a 12th century West Devon water mill has won the South West?s top building conservation project in the 2007 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors awards. Described by the RICS judging panel as ?a nationally important historic monument?, Bidlake Mill at Combebow has been completely restored, having been ?in serious disrepair?. The restoration was arranged by the mill?s current owner, Richard Baker, assisted by a grant from English Heritage. According to David Marsh, chairman of the RICS South West judging panel: ?By assembling a dedicated design team and expert builders, there has been an outstanding result. ?This ancient monument has been preserved with meticulous care and workmanship of the highest order ? an absolute gem. ?We acknowledge Mr Baker?s exemplary social responsibility in his commitment to this restoration.? Mr Baker and his project team received their regional award from Graham Chase, president of the RICS at the South West?s regional awards ceremony, at the Bishop?s Palace in Wells.
