A FARMHOUSE renovation in the little-known Lakeland valley of Swindale has resulted in an industry award for a Kendal building company.

Troughton Home Improvements Ltd took the prize for best large renovation project at the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) North West region awards.

Jim Troughton and his team completed the project on time despite the fact they were heavily restricted by snowfall and there was limited site access for deliveries at the remote location, near Haweswater.

The former farmhouse is located only 20 metres away from the water supply to Manchester, so the build had to be "environmentally considerate" with a package treatment works installed underground and a separate filter bed to ensure a totally pure water discharge.

The property and the semi-derelict barn attached were sympathetically restored and updated, with historical features preserved, and the creation of open, light and modern living spaces.

Sourcing of local materials and trades was key to the project, ensuring the beautifully designed property matched the surrounding Lake District countryside.

The client, Jenny Cormack-Lendon, said: "Troughton's turned our ideas into a reality.

They have provided us our dream home, all of which was carried out on schedule."

This is the third regional win for Troughton Home Improvements Ltd, as they brought home the prize for best small renovation project in 2012, and best commercial project in 2010.

They will now compete in the national finals for their chance to win the UK category title at a ceremony to be held at the Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel in London on September 15, hosted by TV presenter and building enthusiast Nick Knowles.

As previously reported by the Gazette, Kendal firm Simpson Construction Ltd has also made it through to the national finals for an eco-friendly barn conversion in the Lake District.