Huntingdon Almshouses receive national recognition

The refurbishment work completed on the Huntingdon Almshouses in 2011 has won the Almshouse Associations Patrons Award.

The project architect, two residents and two trustees went to the Mercers Hall, in London, recently to collect the award from the vice patron, the Duke of Gloucester.

This award is given annually by the National Almshouse Association for excellence in design and workmanship.

Mike Baker, chairman of the trustees, said: “The state of the properties had been very poor – they were damp, cold and cramped and after obtaining significant grants from the Freemasons Trust and the Hinchingbrooke Foundation we asked Chris McRae to design a new two-storey extension at the rear of the building.

“The front elevation had to remain the same as it is a listed building but we demolished the single storey extension at the rear and replaced it with a much bigger two-storey extension for all of the eight properties.

“We now have some very attractive houses with new kitchens, toilets and utility rooms downstairs and bathrooms and dressing areas upstairs. They are quite delightful – double glazed, warm and bright – quite a transformation.

“Prior to 2011, only three of the eight properties were occupied, now they are all occupied. It is no small part down to the inspirational architect Chris McRae and the Edgley Builders, of Ely, who carried out the high quality building work.”

The bronze plaque awarded to the Huntingdon Almshouses trustees will be put up on the wall of the property.