Dunkeld Builders Ltd from Dunkeld, Perthshire beat the cream of the country’s builders to become the UK’s Best Medium Renovations Builder at this year’s 10th Master Builder of the Year Awards which took place today.
Phil Spencer, presenter of C4 Location, Location, Location presented the award to Derek Bell and his team from Dunkeld Builders Ltd for their work on the beautiful castle-like Bonskeid House in Letham, Forfar, dating from 1881, and home to Gordon and Betty Mitchell.
Derek’s task was to realise Gordon and Betty Mitchell’s vision of recapturing the look and feel of the original granite and sandstone Victorian hunting lodge, as the grand Scottish home had lost its opulence after decades of use as a youth hostel.
As client, Gordon Mitchell,said: “Derek was a wonderfully calming influence. We were really stressed by all of the problems, but he managed to keep a cool head and find solutions to these real stumbling blocks, which meant the project could move forwards. He became a good friend. The builders brought a wonderful standard of craftsmanship, creating exactly what we asked for, matching the existing house and looking as though it should be there.”
The 10th Master Builder of the Year Awards, a nationwide search by the Federation of Master Builders to find the best builders in Britain, tests the entrant’s technical ability together with their customer service skills. The Awards are unique, as every entrant must be nominated by a satisfied customer.
Dunkeld Builders Ltd triumphed to win the national award in the Medium Renovations category, which is supported by British Gypsum and Travis Perkins.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, FMB director general, Richard Diment said: “In this our 10th year, we are delighted to celebrate projects from small to large that would otherwise be overlooked. Size is not important. We are looking for solid craftsmanship, excellent customer service and a delighted client. The Awards give clients a chance to publicly thank their builder both for their excellent work and for the consideration shown to them throughout the build.
“For us it is heartening to see that so many clients, such as Gordon and Betty Mitchell, continue to invest in improving their properties, as well as considering the energy efficiency and sustainability of their homes,” Richard added.
“Our congratulations go to Dunkeld Builders for this well-deserved award, but equally our thanks go to Gordon and Betty Mitchell who nominated them for the award,” said Richard.
Derek Bell and Gordon and Betty Mitchell each win a luxury all inclusive weekend break for two at any of the UK Barceló Hotels.
See the other winners here
