Weymouth Civic Society
OCTAGON HOUSE, FERRYBRIDGE
This house, designed as an octagon, has been constructed on a small site near Ferrybridge. The land was formerly part of an electricity substation but became surplus to requirements as the modern substation occupied a much reduced area. The new owners have built their house on the very constrained site which was available. It is built in brick with a slate roof - difficult to construct in octagonal form with so steep a pitch - and is designed to round off and turn the corner of the new housing development adjacent. The materials are in keeping with the character of its surroundings. This new house, which has become a feature in the area, demonstrates thoughtful use of a small space and lends interest and variety to the local street scene.
Annual Awards - 2010
RESTORATION OF BELFIELD HOUSE
Belfield House, situated between Buxton Road and Wyke Road on Belfield Park Avenue, is a splendid Grade II* listed classical mansion. Designed by John Crunden and built around 1780 for Isaac Buxton, it is probably Weymouth's finest and most important Georgian house. 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.
Substantial restoration work has been carried out to the large Victorian conservatory and kitchen which together extend across the rear of the house, while interest has been added to them by creating a half-octagon at the centre, formed over an elegant modern stairway - the whole resulting in a beautiful light and airy space. On the lower-ground floor, an octagonal wine cellar that had been cut across by a passage, has been opened up again.
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.
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT - GALLERY ON THE WEY
This small artist's studio and gallery, adjacent to Upwey Wishing Well café and gardens, has been created through the ingenious transformation from a former run-down toilet block and bus shelter, which had been closed by the Borough Council and had subsequently deteriorated.
The main structure of the building has been retained and the new gallery built up on the same footprint. The original Portland stone walling has been augmented where needed, much new timber work has been included in the construction, and the new, steeper roof is in slate - all of which blend well with the surroundings. The skilful and tasteful re-modelling of the original structure has created a pleasant building, with a small gallery on the ground floor and a studio on the new floor above, providing an attractive local amenity in a charming setting.
Certificate of Merit - 2010
RESTORATION OF THE SEAFRONT SHELTERS
A thorough restoration of all seven of the late-Victorian seafront shelters has been carried out, with meticulous attention to detail, as part of the Borough Council's programme of enhancement of the Esplanade area. The decorative lacy cast-iron work adorning the roofs has been renewed, and completely new roofing provided, returning them to their original character. These traditional shelters are both attractive and functional, and, newly restored, they make a welcome contribution to the character and quality of the Esplanade.
Commendations - 2010
RESTORATION OF 78-79 THE ESPLANADE.
This is a most welcome restoration to their original condition of the upper levels of these two listed houses dating from 1815-20, situated in Royal Terrace north of the King's Statue. The windows had lost their Georgian glazing bars, and there were no balconies. The new windows with their slender glazing bars, and the new cast iron balconies of carefully chosen design similar to others on the Esplanade, have restored the original elegance of the upper floors of these buildings. Much detailed renovation work has also been carried out to both front and rear of the two properties.
This project has been supported through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and follows the Borough Council's Townscape Heritage Initiative. The aim is to restore as much as possible of the original appearance of this terrace - where the buildings have been heavily altered over the years. Other restoration of properties in this terrace has been carried out already, and more is under way, although modern shop fronts and fascias have been retained. This project makes a worthy contribution towards restoring the historic character of the terrace.
Letters of Appreciation - 2010
THE WEYMOUTH PEACE GARDEN, THE NOTHE.
The Quaker Burial Ground is an area of land set within high walls on the Nothe Peninsula. The last known burial was in the mid 19th century, and it has lain empty and neglected for many years. The work of creating a garden, beginning with clearing out brambles and weeds, was instigated by the local Quaker Group and has been carried out by the Weymouth Peace Garden Volunteers, supported by many organisations and businesses.
They have transformed the space into an attractive garden of interesting and unusual design intended as an inter-faith garden, for quiet contemplation. There is a grass labyrinth of carefully formed concentric circles, and open grassy areas surrounded by trees, with new shrubs and plants, a “peace pole” inscribed in different languages, stone seating, and paths weaving among the glades. It makes a worthy contribution to local amenity, providing a pleasant and tranquil retreat.
The project carried out by the Peace Garden Volunteers with support and assistance from Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and from many other Organisations. The garden was designed by Michelle Brown.
Before and After . .
| Awards2010 |
| Awards2011 |
| Tudor House |
| Nothe Fort |