6 REASONS TO SELF-BUILD

If you’re close to taking on your own self-build but are in need of some inspiration then these six tenacious first-time self-builders who took the plunge and built their own homes will do the trick — and the results are amazing!

First-time self-builders reveal why building their own homes was the perfect solution

“We self-built to downsize” LOCATION: SUFFOLK

Designer: Modece Architects “For many years we had dreamed of building a house, but plots proved to be more expensive than we realised, and very elusive,” says Mary Williams, who, with her husband Barry, self-built for the first time in their 70s in an effort to downsize. In the garden of their old, draughty barn conversion they decided to build a sustainable house which was less costly and more feasible to maintain as they grew older. “The new house is warm, light and comfortable,” Mary says. “As we helped design it ourselves it has everything we wanted, which is amazing.”

“Our new home accommodates our growing family” LOCATION: COTSWOLDS

Designers: M+H Workshop Built on a sloping site, this fourbedroom timber frame self-build was designed for a growing family who required social spaces, as well as private retreats as the children became teenagers. Large expanses of glass make the most of the views and a double-height kitchen/diner/ living space (shown left) forms the hub of the home, while each member of the family has their own unique space. Externally, stone and timber cladding help root this build in its wooded surroundings.

“I now live in an energy-efficient home” LOCATION: LONDON

Designer: Turner Works Looking for somewhere unique to live with a high level of sustainability, Harry Lovell was disheartened by the London market and turned to self-build. On a small brownfield garage plot, he and Turner Works designed and built a 80m2 timber-frame house filled with insulation and bespoke details, for less than £300K.

Amazed by the speed at which the house went up and the low levels of CO2 emissions, Harry decided to found a business, Youngman Lovell, with his brother, Charlie, creating modern modular housing. “When building from scratch you get to design the house exactly how you want it,” says Harry. “Having lived in the house it’s great to see how much of a difference proper insulation makes — I didn’t turn my heating on until mid November!”

“A home to look after us” LOCATION: CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Designer: Potton After years of living in their renovated listed farmhouse, which required plenty of maintenance, Nadine and Doug Scott realised they needed somewhere that looked after them, rather than the other way around! Their new home was designed with the future in mind, offering an open-plan layout with room for accessibility, time-saving home automation, and a lift to assist the couple later in life.

“Self-build led to a new career” LOCATION: LONDON

Designer: Office S&M After an accident left her in a coma, Isla used the compensation money to self-build her way onto the property ladder in London; the project would also become a springboard for a development business. The tight budget of £205k was put to good use and the entire build took just six months. Making the most of the tight end-of-terrace plot was essential, as was ensuring that the home featured plenty of natural light.

“We built a home for retirement” LOCATION: ARGYLL

Designer: The Wee House Company George and Gabriella chose the Wee House Company for their two-bed self-build due to their traditional designs and modular construction; the company provided a full turn-key service. The house was designed for rental investment in the short term, but the flexible layout means the couple can move into the lowmaintenance house when they retire for a quieter lifestyle.