TWO historic buildings in the Tavistock area have been handed prestigious awards.

Devon Historic Buildings Trust’s Conservation Awards were held last week and among the top ranking buildings were Staddon House in Walkhampton and The Butcher’s Hall in Tavistock.

The awards ceremony was attended by over 60 businesses and hosted by Lady Clifford, patron for Devon Historic Buildings Trust.

The aim of the awards was to encourage all those who work with historic buildings, whether they are listed or of importance in a townscape or landscape, by acknowledging best conservation practice and good design.

In the category for ‘repairs to an historic building or structure’ Staddon House was crowned winner while in the category for ‘regeneration of an historic building or structure, or the regeneration of buildings in a group’ The Butcher’s Hall, Tavistock received a commendation.

The projects in each category were judged on their own merits and every type of built environment is eligible to apply regardless of size, type or budget. The assessment criteria reviewed the reasoned argument for the work, how the problems were analysed, the appropriateness and honesty of the solution including the integrity of the design and detailing, the loss of original fabric, the monitoring of the work as it progressed on site and the quality of the craftsmanship. For the new build work, the excellence of the architecture and design standards as well as the impact that the work had on its local environment were also considered.

Sue Spackman, chairman of DHBT, said: ‘We were delighted with the range of entries which covered all aspects of conservation, and the projects were located from different parts of the county. It clearly demonstrated the depth of professional skills that we are fortunate to have in Devon. It is also gratifying to see that the owners of our historic buildings are prepared to accept the best advice and employ the most skilled tradesmen to complete the work whether it is their home or a commercial building.

‘The feedback from the businesses which took part has been good, confirming that this has provided a platform to showcase all the important conservation work taking place in our county.’