The restoration of a derelict empty home in Llangollen has beaten off tough national competition to be awarded the prestigious Gold accolade at the annual What House Awards.

‘The Willows’, a grade II listed building in the heart of the town, has been extensively refurbished and re-developed as social housing by North Wales Housing in partnership with Denbighshire County Council.

The scheme hit the top spot in the Renovation category, leaving private London and South East developers to take runner up positions for their Kensington Mews and Sussex renovation schemes.

Held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel last week, this year marks the 30th year of the What House Awards which is recognised as the most coveted new homes awards, celebrating the achievements of house builders and developers across the UK.

Phil Danson of North Wales Housing said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be presented with this award. The What House awards are held in high esteem across the industry and the level of entries across the board was exceptional - to see The Willows recognised in this way and at this level is fantastic.”

The Willows was only one of two Welsh developments to be presented with an award on the day. The property was purchased from local developer Castlemead Homes who carried out the construction works under the specialist architectural guidance of Adrian Jones Associates. After a nine month restoration programme, three two-bedroom apartments were created for local people.

Funding for the renovation was sourced from the Denbighshire County Council through a commuted sum received through the planning system, as well as from the Welsh Government and CADW. Innovative close working between North Wales Housing and the Local Authority’s Planning and Housing Teams was essential to ensure that the success of this scheme.

The judges commented: “The Willows is not a typical social housing scheme. Attention to detail and good levels of craftsmanship are apparent throughout. Crucial factors in any conversion are the careful use of space and the means by which new accommodation is created so we were delighted to see rooms of a decent size.

“The top-floor apartment is particularly successful in making the most of views over the town and countryside while the careful and unobtrusive use of skylights has created a cosy yet light-filled interior. A well-deserved winner, the project is a model for collaborative working and it is wonderful to see a local landmark being turned into social housing while maintaining the historic character of the building.”