Russell Armer wins Highly Commended in prestigious industry digital award ceremony

Posted on November 16, 2020 | Awards, Property

Russell Armer’s luxury Lesketh How development in Ambleside has won Highly Commended status in the hotly contested ‘Best Change of Use of an Existing Building’ category of this this year’s LABC Northern Building Excellence Awards.

Formerly the grand family home of William Wordsworth’s physician, Sir John Davy, Lesketh How has been sensitively transformed into a small cluster of high-specification homes, perfectly marrying old and new structures and set amid beautiful wooded gardens offering breathtaking views. It occupies a sought-after position on the edge of this traditional Lakeland town.

The development has also attracted the attention of another industry awards body. Lesketh How has been announced as one of only six nationwide developments shortlisted in the ‘Best Refurbishment’ category in Housebuilder Awards 2020. The winners will be announced on 3rd December this year.

Russell Armer has been recognised by the LABC Awards in previous years. The company’s Tenterfield development on Brigsteer Road in Kendal was shortlisted for ‘Best Refurbishment’ in 2019, while another Kendal project, The Avenue, secured a well-deserved win in the category of ‘Best Small New Housing Development’ in 2018.

Russell Armer Homes Architect, Richard Wood:

‘We’re always genuinely delighted to be recognised by the LABC Awards as it’s a recognition of excellence from a respected industry organisation. We’re especially proud of Lesketh How as the project required a careful balance of restoration and redevelopment to preserve the site’s character and charm, as well as to create comfortable homes that provide comfortable accommodation for a new generation of residents.

‘It’s great news that Lesketh How is also in the running for another award – this time in the Housebuilder event against a national field. We’ll see what December brings!’

The LABC awards celebrate achievements in the construction industry. They reward ‘excellent buildings and outstanding companies’. The LABC network covers all local authorities in England and Wales and is split into twelve regions, each of which awards its own prizes. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional award ceremony was cancelled, with winners being celebrated in a digital presentation instead.

The Housebuilder Awards are presented by Housebuilder magazine and the Home Builders Federation (HBF), in partnership with NHBC. They recognise national innovation and excellence in the construction industry.