THE restoration of a 12th century West Devon water mill has been voted the South West?s top Building Conservation project in the 2007 RICS Awards. Described by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) judging panel as ?a nationally important historic monument?, Bidlake Mill at Combebow, Lewdown, has been completely restored, having been ?in serious disrepair?. The restoration was arranged by the mill?s current owner, Richard Baker, who runs a small holiday-letting business. Assisted by a grant from English Heritage, Mr Baker committed some £34,000 of his own money to the project. 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 ? an absolute gem. ?This nationally important historic monument has been preserved with meticulous care and workmanship of the highest order. After careful research, restoration to the original specification has been achieved by using traditional techniques and materials. ?The fact that the mill has no viable alternative use only goes to emphasise the owner?s exemplary social responsibility in preserving this building.? Mr Baker and his project team will receive their regional award from the president of the RICS at the South West?s regional awards ceremony, at the Bishop?s Palace in Wells on July 10.