THE restoration of one of Weymouth’s finest Geor-gian houses has won recognition from the town’s heritage campaigners.

The people behind the work to restore Belfield House to its former glory have been presented with Weymouth Civic Society’s Annual Award.

Owners Colin Grove and Jan Biggs received the accolade at the society’s awards night and social evening held at the Nothe Fort.

Copies of the award certificate were also presented to architects John Stark & Crickmay Partnership and the building contractors R. Moulding & Co.

Belfield House, situated between Buxton Road and Wyke Road in Belfield Park Avenue, is a Grade II listed classical mansion built in around 1780 for Isaac Buxton.

Jan Biggs said: “We are delighted to get the recognition for this, we really put a lot into it and it’s great to finally see it finished.

“We are pleased that so many people are interested in what we have done here, we didn’t expect such an enthusiastic response and to top it off with an award from the civic society is great.”

The civic society described Belfield House as ‘probably Weymouth’s finest and most important Georgian house’.

The citation said: “The current owners, who purchased it in 2004, have carried out a superb restoration with painstaking attention to detail both externally and internally, covering all aspects of the building but taking care not to over-restore.

“The work has skilfully returned the house to its former Georgian splendour while modern features have been carefully integrated.”

The society noted that substantial restoration work has been done to the Victorian conservatory and kitchen, while a half-octagon created at the centre, formed over a modern stairway adds interest. It results in a ‘beautiful light and airy space’.

“Now that the restoration of the house is complete it only remains for the frontage to be landscaped in a style appropriate to its period and character to enhance its setting,” the society added.

Also presented on the night was the Certificate of Merit to the new Gallery on the Wey at Upwey.

Owners Paul and Georgia Sutton picked up the certificate with copies going to architect Nicholas Brown along with Stockley Builders Ltd and Dorchester Joinery Co.

The Gallery on the Wey is a small artist’s studio and gallery created through the transformation of a former toilet block and bus shelter.

The civic society said the ‘skilful and tasteful’ remodelling of the original structure had created a ‘pleasant building.’ The awards night was attended by the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Paul Kimber and other council representatives.

The evening began with short talks about the work and interests of four local organisations by a member of each – Wyke Regis Protection Society, Upwey Society, Friends of Radipole Wood and the Chapelhay Community Partnership.

The Chairman of the Plans Sub-Committee Mike Martin then described all the projects receiving awards, commendations or letters of appreciation, illustrated by a power-point display. The presentations were followed by a social evening for members and guests.

Civic societey awards

* The Annual Award: Restoration of Belfield House.

* Certificate of Merit: Gallery on the Wey.

* Commendations: Restoration of the Seafront Shelters; Restoration of 78-79 The Esplanade.

* Letters of Appreciation: Octagon House, Ferrybridge; Weymouth Peace Garden, The Nothe.