The presentation of the Awards for the Isle of Wight Society Conservation Awards 2026 took place on 26th June 2026 at East Cowes Town Hall. The Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Susie Sheldon, presented the Trophies and Certificates.
This biannual event has become a Celebration of good Conservation and Restoration work on the Island. Many architects, designers, craftsmen and builders contribute every day to maintaining the character of the Island and this is a chance to showcase their work and congratulate them all, especially those who entered this Isle of Wight Society 2026 Conservation Awards, whether they won a certificate or not!
The judging was difficult this year as there were so many entries of a high standard.
The overall winner was
Barn One, Little Budbridge Farm
Barn One was a derelict listed barn where the hipped roof had blown off in about 2017. The remaining decrepit walls did not allow conversion so were photographed and carefully taken down, labelling each stone and brick. An oak frame was created to stand within the footprint of the old barn. The stone and brick was then rebuilt in accordance with the original arrangement. Internally the design was preserved, with the large high central section. Stone with brick window details were used in a way that highlighted the dilapidated state of the building, with internal lime plasters used to show transitions.
Solar panels on another barn supply multiple batteries and provision of sufficient power to provide the total energy requirements for three converted barns.
The judges felt that this was an amazing restoration project, with meticulous attention to detail. The project was impressive in its scale and execution, carefully and effectively blending heritage appropriate materials with modern materials and techniques, creating a stunning new interior space. The craftsmanship and sustainability credentials were exceptional.
Certificates of Merit were presented for good restoration, conversion and new building work extending Listed Buildings.
Alphabetical list of Certificate winners :-
The Albion Hotel, Freshwater Bay
A comprehensive, cohesive and thoughtful restoration of a once tired seaside hotel, with striking new panoramic windows and balconies successfully exploiting views of the bay. Simple touches retain and display some of the old original parts of the building.
Appley Tower, Ryde
Leased to Natural Enterprise by the IWC, this historic landmark building has been given a new lease of life both inside and outside, with a new contrasting internal staircase giving access to the restored roof terrace.
The Department, Ryde
Formerly Pack’s store, this structurally complex building shows an eclectic combination of periods and styles, thoughtfully tailored to modern day needs. Major contemporary and visually contrasting interventions successfully sit alongside retained historic fabric from many periods.
1, Holyrood, Newport
This restoration includes a completely new build extension, successfully using both reclaimed and new building materials around an enclosed garden. Wooden sash windows with cord mechanisms are some of the Heritage techniques incorporated in the building. Appropriate materials have been used throughout, making a positive contribution to the surrounding historic townscape.
The Minster, Newport
This final phase of the restoration of the Minster has included more reroofing and external replacement stonework. Internally there have been significant changes, providing a new floor with underfloor heating following removal of the old pews, and sensitive creation of an improved kitchen, toilets and meeting rooms, all designed to provide a sustainable future.
St Anne’s, St Catherine’s School, Ventnor. This Georgian houseis now used as student accommodation. The front façade especially had deteriorated. Conservation led refurbishment has transformed the building. The stonework was repaired and zinc work over the veranda replaced. Meticulous reconstruction of the complex historic timber veranda and windows was completed. The whole project is an excellent display of conservation craft-skills.
20 St James’ Street, Newport
Previously Wadham’s Store, the lower floor is now a café and the upper floors successfully provide workrooms for a fashion based educational degree programme. The internal rearrangements are clear and simple and the restored external façade greatly improves the street scene. Exposed roof trusses and rooflights give a sense of space. A rear courtyard provides additional facilities.
St Thomas’s, Ryde
This much needed thoughtful repurposing of the former church provides excellent youth facilities for Ryde. The roof has been repaired, as has the stained glass, and old memorials retained. Ryde Youth Service now has an admirable home, with meeting rooms, kitchen, home economics and shower facilities, and Wi-Fi points in the remaining pews.
Sandown Town Hall
An old unwanted building has been re-purposed into Youth Facilities. While empty there had been significant water ingress which has now been repaired. After carefully recording what remained of the notable hall ceiling mural after successive repaints, the main hall has become an impressive new sports and activity centre, sensitively handled on a limited budget. Other facilities have been created within the building after consultation with the users.
84 – 86 Trinity Road outbuildings
The derelict outbuildings have now been restored to use again. The rear wall holds back a high bank of soil, which had created excessive damp problems. Comprehensive conservation-led repairs and careful use of heritage appropriate materials using conservation craftsmanship have created an excellent result. A chimney was rebuilt to replicate the original, and reclaimed chimney pots used with modern waterproofing joints.
New shared by Sarah on behalf of the Conservation Awards. Ed
