TAVISTOCK building firm Jan Hughes Construction Ltd has claimed a top category prize in the South West region of the Master Builder of the Year Awards for the conversion of a granite stone barn into a family home in Dartmoor National Park.
Homeowner Paul Webster said he was ?delighted? with the finished result and praised the builders for transforming the property into a beautiful home, while at the same time respecting its history.
Builder Jan Hughes said: ?We are delighted that a building project in the Tavistock area, constructed by our team of local craftsmen, has received this award.
?Lowertown Barn was an interesting project, converting an old dilapidated barn into a comfortable home. The use of natural products ensured the finished building complemented the surrounding Dartmoor National Park.?
The granite stonewalls required particular care and attention to produce a sympathetic conversion. Reclaimed stone had to be sorted for colour and shape, then blended with the original building. Local Devon timber was sourced for the open roof trusses featured throughout the property.
The judges commended the builders on the quality of the work, especially for their superb granite masonry skills and the internal joinery.
They said modern materials had been used well and complemented the original qualities of the barn, producing a light and spacious living space.
The awards are part of a national search by The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) for the best building projects in the South West as part of the Master Builder of the Year Awards 2004.
The award in the category ?refurbishment under £100,000? is one of five covering new and refurbished homes and commercial property. The South West winners will now go forward to the national awards that will be announced on April 27.
The national winner will pick up the ?Master Builder of the Year? title and a new light commercial vehicle of their choice put up by Nissan Motor (GB) Limited, sponsors of the award. The winning customer will win a £3,000 holiday of their choice.