THE renovation of an early 18th century coaching inn which uncovered an ancient well has been nominated for national award.

The historic stone and mortar, Grade II listed Three Eagles on Bridge Street, Llangollen underwent extensive renovation work at the end of last year.

The building had fallen into disrepair, standing unused for more than 12 months until it was taken over last spring by Matt and Vicky Jones who wanted to transform it into a luxury restaurant.

They enlisted Wrexham construction firm Knights Construction to undertake the full renovation, which included a redesign the building’s main layout and the construction of a state-of-the-art kitchen.

The work made the surprising discovery of the ancient well, seven metres deep, situated beneath a section of the original building which was demolished to make way for the new kitchen.

The finding threw up the opportunity for an alteration to the design. The well was restored with matching stone, sealed in glass and illuminated to become a feature in the entrance of the new venue.

Knights Construction has now been shortlisted for the workplace design of the year of the Insider Wales Property Awards 2019, which celebrates Wales’s best commercial and residential property developments, as well as their associated funders and developers.

Joel Smith, Knights Construction property developments manager, said: “The renovation was a really special project for us to take on. There are many unique challenges that come with working on listed buildings, such as satisfying the relevant heritage governing body with a thorough and well-planned design concept and, of course, the sensitive approach needed to repair ancient existing structures.

“Many traditional trades were utilised in the Three Eagles renovation to ensure that the original building was restored in a way that is respectful to its heritage. With the addition of the new extension to the rear of the building, the old now seamlessly meets the new and the result is absolutely stunning.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved with the Three Eagles building because the project has taken a venue that was very old, disused and neglected and turned it into a thriving, luxury social hub for the town of Llangollen. The building now stands proud again as it most likely once did many years ago.”

The restaurant opened in December with a management team including a number of former Ysgol Dinas Bran pupils and international chef Adam Gaunt-Evans.

The award winners will be revealed at Cardiff City Hall on June 13.