A complex, but sympathetic, renovation and modernisation of two Grade II listed timber-framed 17th century cottages in Hadleigh, Suffolk, has gained the prestigious Noel Turner Award for Richard Harrison.
The Noel Turner Award, presented by the Hadleigh Society is made in recognition of outstanding improvements to, or conservation of, Hadleigh’s buildings or environment. It is presented in memory of Mr Turner who was one of the founders of the Hadleigh Society and chairman in 1990.
The terraced cottages, comprising 3 and 5 Church Street, had been used as a single residence and remained largely untouched for 50 years and it was Mr Harrison’s idea to turn them back into the original two dwellings. “When I first saw the cottages, I fell in love with their quirky features and thought they deserved to be preserved for future generations,” he said.
Little did he realise the bureaucratic hurdles he had to face to achieve this – Listed Buildings consent, buildings regulation and even particular Highways regulations as they were deemed ‘two new residences’. “Updating the utilities, including water, drainage and electrics, without destroying original features was a particular nightmare, he said. “Every single square metre threw up a problem.”
However, according to Richard Fletcher, chairman of the Hadleigh Society, he achieved his aim, following a programme of works undertaken over the past two years
“Key architectural features which make a positive contribution to the significance of the building have been retained and repaired where necessary, including the exposed timber-framed structure, sash and bay windows and external front doors,” commented Mr Fletcher. “Of particular note is the retention of a wall painting in one of the first-floor bedrooms now protected by a glass screen.”
Richard Harrison, a Hadleigh resident, undertook the project through his company, Church Street Developments Suffolk Ltd, using local contractors and craftsmen. He was presented with the award at the Hadleigh Society’s AGM, held in the town’s historic Guildhall, on 25th June.
Richard Harrison outside the cottages he has renovated in Church Street, Hadleigh.
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This wall painting, discovered during the renovation, has been carefully protected.
The aim was to make the cottages fit for modern living while preserving as many original features as possible, as well as complying with a host of regulations and restrictions.