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Take one upturned wooden boat, a few old old windows and doors, a wood burner and some 12V solar-powered lights and you've got the recipe for the 2013 Shed of the Year - a magnificent construction which saw off over 1,900 rivals to sail to the pinnacle of sheddie glory.

Clinging to the side of Welsh mountain near Machynlleth, Alex Holland's "rustically charming shack" also boasts a 12v sound system, gas cooker and - critically - a fridge to keep liquid refreshment nicely chilled.

TV presenters Sarah Beeny and Kevin McCloud were joined by Shed of the Year founder Uncle Wilco and 2012 winner John Plumridge to award the 2013 crown. A public vote down at readersheds.co.uk whittled down 1,975 entries - including a veritable Gallifrey of Tardises - to eight finalists, from which Holland (pictured above) emerged triumphant.

The sheddie described himself as "absolutely delighted" at the win. He enthused: "The standard and creativity shown by the other entrants has been incredible so I am genuinely surprised to have reached the top spot!

"With the £1,000 prize from the sponsors Cuprinol I intend to buy a second hand 400w 12v wind turbine to augment the solar panel to give me enough electricity to make ice in the fridge for gin and tonics, and to ensure the cider and beers are always chilled. I’ll then be able to have a proper party to celebrate with those who have supported me in getting so far."

Judge Sarah Beeny gushed: "Out-and-out winner. It has everything, utterly brilliant, I wish it was mine."

Kevin McCloud, apparently speaking from his own shed in a joss-stick fug and to the sound of whalesong, chipped in with: “Our consumption of stuff happens on a scale: from the fantastically wasteful at one end to the fantastically crafted and cherished at the other.

"We all of us ‘get’ the value of the cherished object and perhaps in that experience lies the path to inner-shedness.” ®

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