Cottages brought up to snuff in line for national award

Snuff Mill Cottages had been left to fall into dereliction after their last owner died, and in 2006 were being auctioned as a development site.

But when historic building expert Andrew Whitham heard they were on the market, he went to view them and persuaded English Heritage to list them at Grade II.

His actions put paid to plans drawn up by developers for the cottages in Sharrow Vale Road, Sheffield, and he then bought the tumbledown building for £220,000.

After spending £120,000 on the three cottages, which would have been home to workers at a nearby water-powered snuff mill, he moved in and let the other two.

Today, he and his project partner Paul Duffus, are travelling to London for the annual Georgian Group awards, hosted by auctioneers Christies.

Mr Whitham, who has won a Georgian Group award before for his work on a house in King Street, Thorne, Doncaster, said he was hopeful of another success.

He added: “We think the house dates to between 1810 and 1820 and it was in a poor state when I bought it, so I’m delighted to get this recognition.”