A Lifetime Haven: How This Couple Built Their Dream Home in the Cotswolds

A Dream Home in the Cotswolds: Ian and Louise’s Journey

Homeowners Ian and Louise embarked on a quest to find their ultimate forever home, and after an extensive search, they discovered the ideal plot for their dream house. Their journey towards building a timber frame self-build home began at an event that inspired them to explore this unique building approach.

The Inspiration for Building

The couple’s first encounter with the concept of timber frame construction occurred at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Birmingham. Ian recalls, “We fell in love with both the look and the smell of the oak.” After discussions with the team from Border Oak, their excitement grew about the prospect of constructing a home that would serve as their lifelong residence.

Project Overview

• Location: The Cotswolds
• Type of House: Detached new-build cottage
• Size: 257m² (including garage)
• Construction Partner: Border Oak, alongside an independent project manager
• Materials: Oak frame and Cotswold stone
• Duration of Build: 12 months

Finding the Perfect Plot

Ian and Louise faced logistical challenges as they searched for a suitable site while living in Dubai. Over three years, they returned to the UK to explore various options. “Eventually, through an estate agent, we found a place near Cirencester, which ticked all the boxes – it was south-facing, distanced from a main road, and conveniently located near the nearest town,” Ian explains. They successfully secured the plot through a sealed bidding process.

Although the plot came with planning permission, the original house design did not meet their expectations. Ian and Louise approached Border Oak to modify the plans, requesting a design that adhered to the footprint of the original proposal but aligned with their vision for an oak frame self-build.

Designing the Home

Merry Albright, the creative director at Border Oak, noted the challenges posed by the Cotswold conservation area, which necessitated clever design solutions to meet specific requirements regarding building height and massing. Planning approval was granted in September 2018, and just a month later, the couple relocated back to the UK from Dubai.

Ian had certain non-negotiables for their home. “I insisted on having windows that required little to no maintenance and were triple-glazed. We discovered Internorm, whose frames were timber with an aluminium cladding on the exterior,” he states. Initially, the conservation officer was concerned about the modern style, but ultimately, the energy efficiency of the windows justified their design.

Managing the Construction

Choosing Border Oak was driven not only by their affinity for oak frame construction but also by their desire for a warm and energy-efficient home. “Having lived in much warmer climates for the past 16 years, we were determined not to return to a cold house,” Ian said. The use of structural insulated panels (SIPs) offered the super insulation they sought, and the company also provided guidance on selecting a renewable heating system.

Border Oak assigned a project manager to oversee the construction team, which included builders and roofers. Ian praised the efficiency of the dedicated team, stating, “Their commitment resulted in airtightness levels far exceeding expectations, thanks to the project manager and his skilled contractors.”

The Building Process

The construction process began in March 2019, coincidentally on Ian and Louise’s wedding anniversary. However, they encountered an unexpected issue. “We assumed the soil would be Cotswold brash, ideal for building, but we discovered loose soil in a specific area,” Ian explained. Further investigation revealed that part of the land had been landfill in the past, necessitating concrete reinforcement, which added an unexpected cost of £7,500 to the project.

Despite this setback, the build and fit-out progressed smoothly, largely due to the oversight of the project manager. Ian and the project manager worked closely to ensure timely ordering of materials and fittings, enabling them to complete the build within a year.

Overcoming Obstacles

Just as they were ready to move in, the couple faced another challenge. The Covid-19 lockdown took effect the day before their scheduled move, grounding the removals company. “Louise and I had to sift through our stored belongings to find essentials to live on until the rest of our items could be delivered, which took an additional six weeks,” Ian recalled.

The pandemic also impacted Ian’s work as a freelance airline pilot, but he decided to utilise the time by engaging with local landscapers and builders to enhance the surrounding land. Over the next 18 months, they constructed a patio, a stone wall, a carport from Border Oak, and a gravel driveway.

Settling into Their New Home

After settling into their new abode, Ian and Louise took time to understand how to utilise their downstairs space effectively. With a nudge from their daughter, they rearranged the layout to create a kitchen-diner that opens directly onto the garden. Ian expresses his satisfaction, saying, “Now we absolutely love how it works for us; the functionality is fantastic.”

The couple’s journey showcases the dedication and perseverance required to create their dream home. With their oak-framed cottage nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds, Ian and Louise are thrilled with the results of their hard work and vision.