AN OAK-framed house in Eardisland has been named the overall winner of a national magazine awards.

Meadowmead is a newly built four-bedroom family home which was designed and built by Herefordshire specialist Border Oak.

The home was awarded not only the overall prize in the Daily Telegraph/Homebuilding and Renovating Magazine Awards but also Best Traditional Style Home.

A shortlist of the best projects from across Britain was visited by a judging panel including TV architect Charlie Luxton.

Ben Albright, owner of Meadowmead, said: "We were completely shocked when we heard that we had won the overall prize.

"We were up against some pretty incredible big budget projects from London and across the UK so you never think an ordinary family home in deepest Herefordshire will stand a chance.

"But we are delighted to be able to showcase all the local skills, crafts and products we have used and thrilled to have won."

Ben and his wife Merry both work at Border Oak in Kingsland.

Merry's father started the company 40 years ago and they chose to build their home in Eardisland where Merry's family have lived for generations.

Merry said: "I was born in the oldest house in the village and now live in the newest. This award means so much to us as it was a difficult journey to get secure planning approval but we are really looking forward to bring our children up here and hopefully this recognition demonstrates what is possible and what can be achieved.

"We took the decision to build our forever family home that is super sustainable, uses almost all local products and is inherently adaptable - its a complete cliche, but it's so much better than we had ever dreamt, and hopefully will bet better with age as the garden develops around us."