EXTERIOR


The once overgrown garden has been transformed with extensive landscaping and Carol’s gardening skills


T


he plot was perfect and the location in North Yorkshire ideal; just what Carol and David Fordham were looking for as a site for their first eco-self build. The only thing standing in their way was the dated property that came with it.


Built in the 1930s, the house was too small for their needs, unsuitable for extension and, more to the point, at completely the wrong angle. There was only one ‘fix-all’ solution and that was to demolish the existing house and build a new one facing the spectacular views that were crying out to be appreciated. However, the Fordhams faced a huge gamble:


were they prepared to buy the £350,000 property and risk having their ambitious plans for a modern family home rejected? “We knew we didn’t want to live in the house as it was, or even extend it,” says David. “The only way it would work for us was if we could knock it down and start afresh. We knew we were taking a huge risk, but we had been looking for a long time and this plot ticked all the boxes – except for the house itself.” To minimise the risk as much as possible, Carol and David arranged an informal meeting with Hambleton District Council planning department to discuss their ideas and assess the likelihood of their building plans being passed. The positive response they received was enough to give them the confidence to forge ahead. “It was still a gamble, but we were confident we could make it work with a bit of negotiation and compromise,” says David.


In June 2016 the couple sold their nearby 19th 24 www.sbhonline.co.uk


century farmhouse, where they had lived for 17 years and raised their three children, and moved into a rented property until the new build was completed in May 2017. They had already done their homework, visiting build shows and exhibitions and David had even taken a course specially geared towards first time self-builders. They had also drawn up a wish-list of what they wanted, including an open plan kitchen and dining room, four family sized bedrooms, energy efficiency, low maintenance and future proofing. “We have had some experience of self- building because we built a house in Grassington many years ago, although it was very traditional and in a national park, with all the restrictions that imposed,” says Carol. “We also extended and modernised the farmhouse, so we knew what to expect. But this was the first time we had done anything on this scale, this energy efficient, or using modern materials.” The priority was to find an architect who understood what they wanted to achieve and who would build on their ideas. They chose York-based Brierley Groom Architects whose experience, previous projects and enthusiasm won them over.


They also took tenders from five builders and eventually chose Honeybourne Developments, who not only came highly recommended but also had experience in bespoke properties. “They wanted to understand our budget and contingency plans so they could quote accurately, and we felt we could trust them to do an excellent job,” says David. “They turned out


issue 02 2021 LOW POINT


There wasn’t one. The build, on the whole, went without a hitch – to the point where we would definitely do it again, even though we have no plans to move from here.


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