Barn conversion wins top award

An Essex farming couple, Chris and Tania Butler, have won a national award for their conversion of a Grade II listed barn, which is now the village post office, shop and cafe.

The quality of the building conversion of the 17th century thatched barn at Greenstead Green near Halstead, led to the Butlers winning the CLA Rural Building award, which will be presented to them by James Del Mar on Thursday.

James Del Mar a judge in the awards and a partner in Knight Frank's rural consultancy department said, "This is an exemplary project. The Butlers have rescued an historically important building, harnessed technology incorporating an environmentally sympathetic heating system, provided employment and heightened awareness in food quality and food miles." 

The CLA's award scheme provides public recognition for landowners and farmers who “go the extra mile” in constructing or converting farm buildings, or buildings connected with rural business.