by Katie Lamborn

A tomb with a view has scooped a top design prize after a revamp.

The Darnley Mausoleum in Cobham Wood, near Gravesend, was in a dire state of disrepair until its 12-year restoration.

Now it's been named project of the year at the prestigious Kent Design Awards.

Lady Bruce-Lockhart, widow of Lord Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, former Leader of Kent County Council and Chairman of English Heritage, presented the distinctive bronze plaque.

Canterbury architects Purcell Miller Tritton, and PAYE Stonework and Restoration of London, were applauded for their labour of love, which brought back to life the Grade 1 listed late 18 century building with its distinctive pyramid roof.

The panel of judges also paid tribute to the Cobham Ashenbank Management Scheme (CAMS) which began the huge task of restoring the mausoleum and reclaiming the woodland of Cobham Park.

The mausoleum took 12 years to repair and was featured on the BBC Restoration programme.

It had previously been on English Heritage’s national Buildings at Risk register for more than 15 years, was badly vandalised and in 1980 suffered a major fire.

Other award winners included The Quarterhouse area of Folkestone, Ashford's Shared Space Scheme and St James the Great primary and nursery school at East Malling.