Country house near Whitchurch wins another award for £2 million restoration
It may have cost a whopping £2 million and been the result of 24 years of hard work – but the restoration of a country house is proving money well spent.
Sarah Callander Beckett and her husband Peter have once again tasted success after having their restoration of Combermere Abbey recognised with a prestigious award.
The newly-restored North Wing B&B at the property near Whitchurch has been named winner of the 'best accommodation' category in the Hudson's Heritage Awards 2017.
It is one of several awards the venue has won since the restoration was completed about 12 months ago.
The venue has also previously won 'best wedding venue' at Marketing Cheshire’s 12th annual awards ceremony, the Restoration of a Georgian Country House Award from The Georgian Group, and the HHA/Sotheby’s Restoration of the Year Award.
Mrs Callander Beckett said: "What a 12 months we have had, and this award tops it all.
"I'm delighted that it is our third win with Hudson's, last year we won the wedding venue category.
"The organisation works so hard to recognise and support our national treasures, so it is always particularly special for us to be a winner in their eyes and I am so proud of the team around me."
The new B&B accommodation at the venue forms part of the renovation and development project of the abbey’s north wing, which includes a master bedroom, en-suite bathroom, Tudor study and private Italianate knot garden.
The Hudson's Heritage Awards, established in 2011, were presented by Penelope, Viscountess Cobham, CBE, chairman of VisitEngland.
They celebrate the crème de la crème of heritage attractions across the UK, including historic houses, museums and gardens.
Sarah Greenwood, director at Hudson's and publisher of the guide said: "The finalists in 2017 showcase an amazing range of experiences just waiting for us all to enjoy at Britain's heritage places. This year they include three World Heritage Sites, but also iconic castles, public buildings, unusual gardens and stunning country houses, several of which are not well-known.
"We at Hudson's would like to congratulate them all on setting the standards for others to follow."
