A BARN conversion near Bude has won a Cornish Buildings Award for its 'thoughtful restoration' of an important building within its local community.

The annual Cornish Buildings Group Award Scheme provides an opportunity to showcase some of Cornwall's finest buildings. This year's awards gave the judges a challenging time, selecting winners from a field of excellent new buildings and restoration projects.

Maer Barn near Bude was one of two buildings to win an award for an outstanding barn conversion and an example of how conservation, restoration and contemporary design can work easily together to produce a remarkable family home.

The award was given to the Bazeley Partnership, chartered

architects for the project and was received by Martin Back, practice director and Rob Grieve, project architect.

Mr Back said: "We are thrilled to have received this award from CBG for Maer Barn and for our clients Rob and Claire Colwill. The building has been at risk for many years and the loss of such an important part of Cornwall's heritage would have been a tragedy.

"The rescue of any important building requires courage, determination and lots of energy and the success of Maer Barn is largely due to Rob and Claire, who made an extraordinary commitment to turn the building into a family home whilst respecting and preserving its heritage.

"As project architects we enjoyed the invaluable experience of working with a number of dedicated consultants who helped throughout. We express our thanks to all involved and to CBG for their recognition."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.