STROUD-based firm KJS Construction have been named Best Large Renovation Project builder in Britain at the Master Builder of the Year Awards.

Company owner Kevin Smith and his team picked up the accolade for their stunning renovation and extension of a Cotswold farmhouse into a large, light, spacious and elegant family home for clients Andrea and Simon England.

The Englands bought the dilapidated building, set in a conservation area in the Cotswold hills, with the aim of creating a five-bedroom family home with a separate guest house.

The project, which endured some appallingly wet weather, required the team to complete a total renovation and re-roofing, while the adjoining barn required new foundations and extensive rebuilding.

Apart from having to salvage and reuse some stone, the team also sourced new Cotswold stone too, resulting in a match so perfect it is virtually impossible to tell the difference between the old and the new.

“Not only were Kevin and his team good old-fashioned craftsmen with wonderful attention to detail, they also understood the importance of communication,” said Andrea, who wins a luxury weekend break for two of their choice.

Now in its ninth year, The Master Builder of the Year Awards, which were presented by Naomi Cleaver from Channel 4’s Grand Designs Trade Secrets, celebrates the outstanding work delivered by the majority of builders, who can only be nominated by highly satisfied customers.

Speaking at the ceremony, the director general of the Federation of Master Builders, Richard Diment, said: “For us it is heartening to see so many clients still willing to invest in improving their properties, which is vital for the future of the domestic construction market.

“Our congratulations go to KJS Construction for this well-deserved award, but equally our thanks go to Andrea and Simon England, who nominated them.”