One of the Society’s aims is to promote and encourage the preservation and sympathetic development of this historic tree-lined village. With this remit in mind, the Society has decided to acknowledge the efforts of individual residents who embark on building work, using thoughtful design and materials that enhance the property and retain the intrinsic character of the area.
We believe it is important to embrace change within the village and award high quality craftsmanship in both old and new. Small conservation jobs such as repairing an old flint stone wall, or replacing rotting sash windows with wooden double glazed replicas, are equally as important as larger projects.
The annual Awards are not about interior design, although we may sometimes mention interior aspects of a restoration, such as using lime plaster, or using moulds to replicate missing parts of intricate historic cornicing.
The Awards are not confined to Conservation Areas, but apply throughout the village. The repairs or building works need to be visible to the public from the roads and pathways around the village.
The Society expects to award a small handful of Certificates each year, presented at the AGM, for workmanship or design a little bit “above and beyond”.
CONSERVATION & DESIGN AWARDS 2024
The Old Bakehouse 65B High Street
This award acknowledges a very high standard of design in the transformation of the old bakehouse into a stunning new commercial unit. The architectural proportions of the original building are echoed and the re-build provides an attractive and welcoming retail business in the High Street.
Pear Tree House, 30 High Street
This award acknowledges the sympathetic rebuilding of an historic wall after twice being hit by passing traffic. The damaged brick wall has been rebuilt, using reclaimed bricks laid in the same distinctive mix of half & quarter bond. The pug has been coloured and the top of the wall has been finished with reclaimed coping bricks to match the originals.
Conservation & Design Awards 2022
AGM April 2022
Award Certificates were presented by the Society’s Chairman Gil Kennedy and Committee Member Maxine Tyler.
Barnlands, 97 High Street
This award acknowledges a highly skilled restoration of plasterwork and timber on the façade of this historic house, using ancient techniques with meticulous attention to detail. A fine example of conservation work at the highest level.
36 & 38 High Street
This award acknowledges meticulous restoration work undertaken on the clapboard façade of this historic building, which has a prominent position in the High Street Conservation Area. The softwood and underlying struts have been replaced and painted to match the original. The decorative leading under the upper windows is particularly attractive.
2 Luxford Road
This award acknowledges a thoughtful and well-built extension. The design included the addition of a pitched roof on an existing flat roof which created a pleasing symmetry with the adjoining house.
The Belvedere, Old Place East Wing
This awards acknowledges a sensitive and accomplished restoration of the rooftop Belvedere, replacing the original which was constructed by Charles Eamer Kempe in 1891. All the joinery is traditional mortice & peg. A fine example of craftsmanship used on one of the most historic houses in the village.
CONSERVATION & DESIGN AWARDS 2020
The Well House, 95 High Street
This award acknowledges a highly skilled restoration of the plasterwork on the facade of this historic house, using ancient techniques with meticulous attention to detail. The repair included removing the original daub, mixing it with straw and re-applying it between the timbers, before covering it with a lime coat.
A fine example of conservation work at the highest level.
Rosemary House, Hickmans Lane
This awards acknowledges a sympathetic two storey side extension to a Victorian property. The thoughtful design echoes the original; architecture of the house, using detailed brickwork and decorative terracotta ridge tiles to match the original.
CONSERVATION & DESIGN AWARDS 2019
AGM April 2019
The first Award Certificates being presented by the Society’s Chairman Gil Kennedy and Committee Member Maxine Tyler.
13 Francis Road
This award acknowledges a high quality renovation of an 1860s cottage in need of repair. The individual architecture has been enhanced with the addition of a front porch, and new double glazed windows to replace the rotting frames. Rising damp has been rectified, and the single skin walls have been coated with insulation in a white rendered finish.
Esmeralda Cottage, West Common
This award acknowledges an excellent example of a seamless side extension to a Turner house, sympathetically designed to be in keeping with the character of the property. Reclaimed building materials have been used, and a bespoke window on the front façade replicates the original windows. The symmetry of the roof slope provides a pleasing and timeless appearance.
Mead Cottage, Lewes Road
This award acknowledges the sensitive design and materials used for this small extension. The oak framework has been attached to two external walls, which have not been altered or redecorated, thus retaining the original fabric of a Grade II Listed building.
