Combermere Abbey in Shropshire has been crowned the winner of the 2016 Restoration Award, presented by the Historic Houses Association (HHA) and sponsored by Sotheby’s. The house, owned by the Callander Beckett family since 1919, had suffered severe deterioration over a number of years. The Award has been given for the most recent full restoration of the North Wing, but also in recognition of the 24-year project to bring the whole house back to life.

The Historic Houses Association/Sotheby’s Restoration Award recognises and celebrates the work being undertaken by Members of the HHA throughout the United Kingdom. These projects reflect the dedication of owners to the care and sympathetic restoration of the incredible buildings that they own, inhabit and share with the public.

Combermere Abbey sits at the heart of 1,000 acres of farmland, woodland and park, with a 150-acre lake curving around the house. The Abbey’s origins date to the 1130s and its 900-year history has encompassed Royal purchase, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the impact of the Civil War, stately visits in the 18th century and extensive remodelling in the early 19th century. These events all took their toll on the Grade I listed building, and 19th century render had caused extensive dry rot. In 1957 when Penelope Callander, later Lady Lindsay, inherited the house it was in such poor condition that permission was sought to demolish much of the building. Thankfully this plan was rejected and the process of trying to save Combermere began.

Photographs of the Abbey in the 1970s show seven of the listed buildings in disrepair and danger of collapse, and Combermere was placed on the ‘Heritage at Risk’ register. Sarah Callander Beckett took over the estate in 1992 and reassessed the restoration of the Abbey, seeking to improve the site and its uses.

Firstly, the stable block was converted to create nine holiday cottages, enhancing the business offering on the estate and the Abbey as a wedding venue. Later the Library, formerly the Abbot’s Hall, was restored and brought back to its former magnificence complete with family heraldry and portraits, supported by grants from the Heritage Conservation Trust and English Heritage. The final stage of the restoration has taken place in the north wing. This wing will provide luxurious boutique bedrooms with sitting and dining rooms, as well as bridal accommodation. Ancillary buildings have also been restored, including a Grade II* game larder which is thought to date from the 19th century with a grant from the Country Houses Foundation.

Sarah Callander Beckett said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this very prestigious award and to have been recognised by our peers in this way. The restoration of this wonderful place has been my mission since inheriting it in 1992 and has taken my family and me on an extraordinary journey over the past 24 years. The support and encouragement we have had from so many people has been integral to its successful renaissance. To finally see the Abbey without scaffolding, standing proud in the landscape as it was designed to be makes it all very worthwhile and I hope will give encouragement to others in a similar situation fighting to save these remarkable treasures.”

Richard Compton, President of the Historic Houses Association said: “Once again we received a wide range of brilliant applications for this year’s award, reflecting the hard work undertaken by our Members and their commitment to preserving the UK’s heritage. The Callander Beckett family have achieved huge amounts with the restoration of Combermere Abbey. It is evident just how much dedication and attention to detail has gone in to not just making this a wonderful family home, but also a beautiful wedding venue and a house that can be enjoyed by many.”

Harry Dalmeny, Sotheby’s Chairman, UK Private Clients said: “The work undertaken by the Callander Beckett family over such a long period of time is truly outstanding. The project has brought this wonderful house back to life and ensured its future as one of Britain’s architectural gems,”

This year the judges commended the following three properties alongside the winner:

Crichel House, Dorset for the restoration of the Wyatt State Rooms.

Hedingham Castle, Essex for the restoration of the Norman Keep.

Penicuik House, Midlothian for the consolidation of the remains of this important 18th century house.