Winner of North Norfolk's Graham Allen Award 2003

The Graham Allen Award 2003 for conservation and design has been won by a restored 18th Century cottage in Letheringsett. Forge Cottage, once part of the Letheringsett Manor estate, stands gable-end onto the Blakeney Road, next to Meadow Farmhouse.

Prior to the restoration, the cottage had fallen into an extremely poor condition. The award-winning programme of repair and renovation has seen the cottage completely refurbished and extended to incorporate existing outbuildings. The judges were particularly impressed by the quality of the craftsmanship and the use of traditional materials and techniques.

Congratulations to the owner R G Carter Ltd and entrants Nicholas Jacob Architects and H Bullen & Son Ltd, who were presented with their bronze plaque by Mrs Blanche Allen, widow of the late NNDC Chairman Graham Allen and a member of the judging panel.

The restoration of the Grade II-listed Old Firehouse in Stalham was highly commended. A commendation also went to the extension and refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Brinton Hall.

For more information about the Graham Allen Award for Conservation and Design, please contact Gary Linder, NNDC's Senior Conservation and Design Officer on 01263 516155.