Hall wins extension award

A stately home near Stafford has won an award for an extension which is boosting its role as a venue for conference and social events.

Sandon Hall was one of the winners in the Southern Staffordshire Design Awards.

Its recognition came for outstanding building work in the commercial sector.

The hall's conservatory extension, known as the Nineveh Room, was officially opened last year and incorporates a bar, lift and fully accessible facilities.

The awards were held at Uttoxeter Racecourse last week saw Sandon Hall beat off competition from a number of other sites in the area.

A national judging panel will view all the regional Design Awards winners in October with the final national winners announced at an awards ceremony in London.

The extension at Sandon Hall was designed by Studio Three Architects and constructed by Espleys of Stafford under the project management of Lee Baron Ltd.

Its opening by South Staffordshire MP Patrick Cormack last June marked the culmination of two years' work, during which the Earl of Harrowby's ancestral home was also completely re-wired.

The original conservatory's mosaic floor was relaid and various rooms were painted and decorated.