A Ramsgate landmark has been named one of the most carefully restored buildings of the past century.

The Grange, a Grade I listed house in St Augustine’s Road, is the South of England winner of the Restoration of the Century Award.

Organised by Country Life magazine and the Jackson-Stops and Staff chain of estate agents, the award celebrates the finest examples of craftsmanship across the country.

In total, 100 historic buildings were nominated, ranging from houses and cottages to stable blocks and single rooms.

John Goodall, architectural editor of Country Life, said: “Judges found that, in the face of extraordinary odds, people had coaxed life out of buildings that were metaphorically or literally ruinous.

“At every property, including The Grange, there was an exemplary restoration to enjoy and a fascinating story to engage with.”

Designed by renowned Victorian architect and designer Augustus Pugin in 1843, The Grange was rescued by The Landmark Trust in 1996.

After seven years of painstaking research and meticulous work, including the reconstruction of the roof, extensive masonry repairs and a thorough clean of the stained glass, furniture and fittings, the building was restored to its original condition.

The Grange can be now rented by visitors to Ramsgate as a holiday home, offering a unique chance to enjoy the colourful world Pugin created for himself, to share the same merriment he once enjoyed in the panelled dining room and to sit in Pugin’s library, surrounded by walls painted with the names of his favourite people and places.

All income from lettings is spent on the maintenance of the building, allowing it to be enjoyed by generations to come.