June 2018 we were at a loss to know where and how to achieve our downsized ‘forever House’ that suited both of us, having lived in a large working farm house for 40 years. We had a choice of adapting a 60’s bungalow or starting again. We got in touch with a locally recommended Architect, Tim Bunn (Archidite Ltd), and discussed lots of options. The property being within a ‘National Park’ potentially had limitations.

Learning about Svenskhomes, we contacted Trevor, who listened to our thoughts and hopes regarding being adaptable, and as eco efficient as possible. We had both independently looked at the website and spotted the same house as being ideal. Trevor was able to arrange for us to see it and any doubts we may have had were swept away.

We wanted light and huge sense of space to allow us not to feel cramped. Trevor put us in touch with Lawrence who was very familiar with building Svenskhomes properties. We got on well and felt very happy to have him manage it all which he did with great humour and efficiency. Tim was marvellous at redesigning the interior and exterior to accommodate our needs, reassure us and make it work to satisfy local planning requirements.

We were keen to have full ground source heating and solar panels so as to make the house as energy efficient as possible. Svenskhomes designs are second to none in terms of insulation, as the swedes are very used to cold winters. The quality standards are also very high. Planning was passed and completed by July 2019. Demolition of bungalow was completed in October and all ground works started late January 2020.

The house was delivered on five container lorries on March 23rd two days before Lock down. Thank goodness everything was in place when lockdown started, we had all the materials we needed plus a very experienced building crew. It all went seamlessly.

We provided entertainment for all local dogwalkers, and regular, walkers who were exercising during lockdown. Many people said it was a wonderful source of daily entertainment and distraction from COVID to watch the house going up. We had never seen so many walkers on the road before!

The exterior and Roof trusses were all up in less than 8 days. Lawrence and his crew adapted to COVID working conditions and the whole house was complete and ready to move in on the 16th October, all completed in 7 months.
We have now lived here just over a year and are absolutely delighted by the design, quality standards and its energy efficiency, which were all important criteria for us, and to get the high energy rating was the icing on the cake.
The comments that regularly come out are how light and spacious and warm it is. One or two have cheekily said when can we move in?! It is very much our home rather than a ‘designer’ house and it was not at all difficult to leave the ‘family home’.

Trevor has been a stalwart at guiding us through at various times which were confusing, or positively alarmin, too us novices. It was extremely helpful to know the costs in advance and have it done so quickly.
We have NO hesitation in recommending Svenskhomes in Ipswich for efficiency and quality, and Trevor for his support. We would use all those involved again if doing it again!