THE TEAM behind a restoration of an 18th century carriage house in a Georgian estate has won an award for its outstanding building conservation efforts.

The Coach House restaurant and hotel at Middleton Lodge, based on the outskirts of Middleton Tyas, near Richmond, is celebrating after being recognised by a panel of experts from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The RICS awards, for Yorkshire and Humber, presented the Coach House at Middleton Lodge with a Highly Commended in Building Conservation, showcasing outstanding work to restore a building or structure to bring it to a new and original use.

The Coach House launched in October 2014, following a major restoration of the 18th century carriage house that had fallen into disrepair over the past century.

With work starting in early 2013, architectural design director Rebecca Tappin, partner of estate owner James Allison, created the design for the project.

She said: “I always saw it as my job to rediscover the beauty in what were really quite dilapidated buildings when we started."

Mr Allison's brother Martyn Stocks led the construction and used local stone and craftsmen to complete the job.

Mr Allison: “We are so delighted to have been recognised by such a prestigious award. To receive a Highly Commended from the RICS, when we were up against some incredible competition from the National Trust is a truly outstanding achievement.

“It has been a labour of love for the entire team, but it was Rebecca and Martyn’s combined knowledge and commitment that has helped turn our award-winning restaurant and hotel into what it is today.”