Turner’s House in Twickenham won two accolades at the Civic Voice Design Awards – coming a convincing first in The People’s Award and Highly Commended in the Historic Buildings category.

The Civic Voice Design Awards are the people’s choice for architecture and the built environment and are a national celebration of well-designed new build, heritage and public realm projects. The awards recognise Turner’s House as a community asset loved by local people for its high quality design and restoration. It is also a recognition of the positive impact its opening to the public has had on the local community, thanks to the support of a team of enthusiastic volunteers. The judges, made up of a panel of distinguished architects, called it a ‘little gem’ and ‘an example to the community’ at the Leadenhall Building (aka The Cheesegrater) at an awards ceremony last night (Thursday, July 12).

The key theme running through all winning projects is high quality design and a great community story behind the project. Turner’s House was designed by the great British landscape artist JMW Turner for his own use as a country retreat in 1813.

The conservation of the building by architects Butler Hegarty for Turner’s House Trust has generated enormous local pride.

Initiated by the local community, seven years of hard work, which included raising £2.4 million and use of “creative demolition, has rescued a former Building at Risk and returned it to Turner’s original vision of a small rustic building.

These awards follow hot on the heels of other accolades awarded to Turner’s House this year. The house’s conservation architects, Butler Hegarty, scooped two honours in this year’s prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects where the house was named the overall winner for London as well as receiving an award for South-West London. The house has also recently won two Time Out Love London Awards for Favourite Cultural Spot and Favourite Landmark in Richmond.

Catherine Parry-Wingfield, Chairwoman of the Turner’s House Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the Civic Voice Awards as they yet again demonstrate how much Turner’s House is valued by the local community and beyond. Next week (19th July) is the first birthday of our opening to the public and we are celebrating with a special evening view, giving more people the chance to see the restored house and garden. Within a short space of time since our restoration, we have enjoyed fantastic reviews and won several awards, so we hope people will visit us to see why we have so much to celebrate at Turner’s House this summer!”

Turner’s House, Sandycombe Lodge, 40 Sandycoombe Road, St Margarets, Twickenham TW1 2LR is open from Wednesday-Sunday: 10-4pm turnershouse.org. Turner’s House 1st birthday Party is on Thursday, July 19, 6-9pm Guided tours will be available at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Booking essential.