Originally the site consisted of, an uninspiring, three bed bungalow (built in the 1960’s by my father) an adjoining, small yard of timber stables and split level concrete hardstanding area.

Due to its elevated position, the site has genuinely breath-taking views over the surrounding countryside.

I obtained planning consent to demolish the bungalow and replace it with a one and a half storey replacement dwelling on the better part of the site, by removing the concreted area.

Svenskhomes suggested a design known as their “Newport” style house. The layout and orientation of the Newport house was to my liking but, not large enough. With Svenskhomes consent and assistance, I employed an architect to “tweak” the Newport design by essentially, increasing the dimensions by a third.

Trevor and Scott from Svenskhomes were extremely helpful in all stages of the project. I introduced them to the groundworker friend if mine. Through impressively precise planning (working on a +- 2mm tolerance) the foundations and groundworks were completed.

The house was delivered in January 2016, on three artic lorries. Using a telehandler and mobile crane, we unloaded the three lorries in one day and the basic structure of the house was erected in three days.

Three weeks later, the Svenskhomes team completed their shell-erect service leaving the house secure and weatherproof ready for 1^st fix plumbing and electrics to commence. Using local small firms and one-man band type contractors, I had the house clad, in “Hardie-plank” boards. The roof (which was handed over “felt and battened” as an extra service) was completed with slates. I fitted most of the “second phase” internal insulation myself, prior to fixing particle board to all the internal walls. Myself (and one willing helper!) then fixed (an initially daunting – three hundred and twenty sheets of plasterboard) which was then plastered. The underfloor heating (wet radiators upstairs) air-source heat pump and basic plumbing were fitted by a local contractor as was the electrical installation.

I moved in on November 2016, since then I have continued to carry out landscaping and finishing touches inside and out.

Throughout the last two years, I cannot stress enough, how helpful and supportive the team at Svenskhomes have been. From the initial planning and negotiations, through to the delivery and initial erection and throughout the project. From site visits during the build, to offering valuable help and advice throughout what has been, to a comparative extent, a semi self-build.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Trevor, Scott and their team, to help anyone planning such a project.