Top award for South Farm

October 2002 saw yet another feather in the cap of Clinton Devon Estates, when Eternit UK, sponsors of the Country Land & Business Association Farm Buildings Award Scheme, made the presentation at South Farm Court Business Park.

The award, which is rated as ‘the top architectural award of its kind in the UK', is presented to newly converted rural buildings that blend in well with their natural and built environment and meet demanding criteria.

Originally designed and owned by Mark Rolle, the development of ten rural business units have been created from Victorian farm buildings which were no longer viable for modern agricultural practices and in danger of disrepair. These now house a farm shop, an Internet and TV scheduling company and a coffee and tea importer.

Commenting on the award, Estates Director John Varley said: "Clinton Devon Estates are committed to meeting the transforming needs of the countryside and the conversion of South Farm Court is an excellent example of our management strategy. "We aim to integrate the traditional industries of farming and forestry with new commercial developments, such as Victoria Sawmills at Colaton Raleigh, Liverton Business Park at Exmouth and South Farm Court.

"Winning this prestigious award is a great honour and proves that we are fulfilling our mission of providing a platform for the economic activity necessary to maintain and sustain a viable local economy," he concluded.