TWO South Lakeland buildings have been given national recognition as "outstanding examples" of architecture and environmental design.

Windermere Arts and Crafts house, Blackwell, and Kirkby Lonsdale supermarket E.H Booth were both shortlisted for the 2003 Civic Trust awards.

The Civic Trust is a national charity that promotes good building and the awards, which were presented at Manchester's Imperial War Museum North on Thursday, acknowledge design excellence.

Turn-of-the-century holiday home Blackwell, designed by Baillie Scott, was painstakingly returned to splendour and adapted to its new role as a gallery for the decorative arts in July 2001.

The architectural side of the £3.5 million restoration works, carried out by London-based architects Allies and Morrison, was applauded by judges. They commended the way "new interventions had been introduced with great care, sensitivity, restraint and attention to detail."

The sympathetic landscaping of the Arts and Crafts house was also mentioned.

Director of the Lakeland Arts Trust Edward King said: "We are delighted that Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts House, has won this prestigious award. As one visitor recently commented It really is one of the loveliest houses you could ever see' and all those involved with the project should feel proud to have made it available for people to enjoy."

E.H. Booth in Kirkby Lonsdale, designed by Leeds-based architects Farrell and Clark, won a mention. Judges said the supermarket had been "discretely designed to minimize visual impact" and had helped to increase trade and visitors to the town.

April 10, 2003 10:00