What is Graven Hill?

Discover a project that’s unlocking the future of the housing market and delivering a pioneering community for people who dream of owning an extraordinary home s the first project of its kind in the UK, Graven ladder - we can help you to find your dream home.” In this Hill is on a mission to shake-up the housing self build special edition of Build it magazine, we’ll be sector and provide an alternative to the standard exploring what life is like at Graven Hill, the options options on offer. Pioneered by Cherwell District available, how the process works and how prospective Council and spanning 188 hectares of former Ministry of self and custom builders can get involved. Defence land, up to 1,900 new dwellings are set to be built on the brownfield site over the course of 15 years.

There are two main choices when creating a home at Graven Hill: self build or custom build. Both options provide buyers with the opportunity to revolutionise how their property is designed and built, offering a realistic alternative to traditional construction routes. The objective is to make creating your perfect home an achievable reality, regardless of budget or ambitions.

“What makes Graven Hill special is the flexibility and control you have when designing and building a home that fits your lifestyle and tastes,” says Karen Curtin, managing director at Graven Hill. “No matter what stage of life you’re at – or how high up you are on the housing

ABuilding a community

Nestled in the rolling green landscape of Oxfordshire, Graven Hill first found national fame on Grand Designs’ television show, The Street, which followed the progress of 10 pioneering self builders creating their dream homes. Since the first plots were released in summer 2016, there have been a total of circa 60 build completions on-site, with over 200 residents now calling the village their home.

While providing access to bespoke houses is the key aim, Graven Hill is also keen to establish an ever-growing community of like-minded people. Due to the nature of the development, this sense of community formed from an early stage, with self builders supporting and encouraging each other from the very beginning.

This focus has led the decisions to incorporate a preschool nursery, primary school and community centre into the finished development, alongside shops, cafes, a local pub and allotments. The result is a unique and supportive community that stands out from the rest.

Sustainability is also at the heart of Graven Hill’s masterplan. Playing host to a plentiful array of wildlife conservation areas, wetland habitats and woodland, Graven Hill has prioritised the protection of its existing natural habitats. The construction of boardwalks and cycle paths throughout the site allows residents to explore the stunning environment around them, without impacting the wildlife that also calls Graven Hill its home.

Self Build Plot

Custom Build New Home

Affordable Home

Apartments

Phase 0 Grand Designs: The Street

Phase 1 Grand Designs: New Series

Show Homes

Graven Hill Marketing Suite & Build It’s Self Build Education House