HHA/Sotheby's Restoration Award
This award was launched in 2008, with generous sponsorship from Sotheby's, to recognise and celebrate the restoration work that is continually being undertaken by members of the HHA throughout the United Kingdom.
Restoration projects, which must cover the dominant features of a room, building or folly, are judged according to the way in which they respect and are in sympathy with the historic quality of the building. Projects must have been completed within the past two years and the property must be owned by a member of the HHA. The restoration projects must also be open to the public for at least 25 days per year or by appointment to groups.
The judging panel includes:
- Edward Harley, President, The Historic Houses Association
- The distinguished Architectural Historian, John Martin Robinson
- Professor David Watkin, eminent historian of British architecture and specialist on neo-classicism and also author of numerous books
- James Stourton, Chairman, Sotheby’s UK
- and David Moore-Gwyn, Deputy Chairman, Sotheby’s UK
The winner of the 2011 HHA/Sotheby's Restoration Award is Aldourie Castle on the southern shore of Loch Ness, near Inverness, Scotland. Aldourie Castle’s extensive programme of restoration has created an historic property for those wishing to experience the authenticity of a Scottish Baronial Castle and Estate at its best.
Aldourie Castle was bought by Roger Tempest in 2004 and the restoration work began in 2007 after it had remained unoccupied for three years. Nearly every aspect of the 57 room building needed renewing or refurbishing - not only the Castle, but also the Estate Cottages and the landscape beyond. The aim of the restoration was to ensure its revival as an important historic Grade A Listed building and to bring alive its character: to revive the identity of the Estate, looking at each of its component parts, from the Castle itself, its formal gardens to the mature woodland and 19th century kitchen garden.
Once again an impressive variety of applications were submitted, reflecting the wide range of restoration work being undertaken by members throughout the United Kingdom. The judges’ task was therefore not an easy one and in addition to the Winner they decided to make three commendations: Iscoyd Park, near Whitchurch in Wales; Hoveton Hall (Glasshouse), Norwich, Norfolk; and Browsholme Hall (Tithe Barn), Clitheroe, Lancashire.The 2010 winner of the award was Wilton House near Salisbury in Wiltshire.
The 2011 HHA/Sotheby’s Restoration Award was presented on 6 October 2011 to Roger Tempest (far right) at Aldourie Castle by Edward Harley and James Stourton, Chairman of Sotheby’s UK, Also shown are Phil Godsal and his father Philip Godsal of Iscoyd Park and Robert and Amanda Parker of Browsholme Hall
For further information on Aldourie Castle and the commendations please see the full press release which can be downloaded below.
The application form and criteria for the 2012 Award may also be downloaded below.