of course now it may even be fractionally cheaper than using gas, so I’m very pleased,” she says.


INTERIOR DESIGN & LAYOUT Downstairs the house has the triple aspect lounge at one end, with the kitchen/dining room at the other end next to the garden. There’s also a small utility room, bedroom and Jack and Jill bathroom. Upstairs are two further bedrooms and a bathroom, an office, and a boiler room. The couple wanted the house to be fairly simple and contemporary with clean lines, with Elaine drawing inspiration from self-build shows and magazines. Deciding what to bring from the old house was tough, Elaine admits, the two houses being of very different styles, but a lot of pieces she didn’t want to part with. “I tried to blend old with new and I think it merged quite well.”


Having been living in the house since April 2021, they love it. Highlighting her favourite feature, Elaine says the double height hallway “is the bit that everybody comes in and goes ‘wow’ at. They’re not expecting it because the house


nov/dec 2022


Elaine admits she was initially conflicted, with connecting to mains gas appearing the easiest option


appears small from the outside – it’s a bit like a Tardis.” Having created their ‘forever home,’ Elaine


atly refuses the idea of doing another one. “One is enough, it takes over your life,” she says. They finally receied their completion certificate in pril this year, another high point after all of the challenges. t was great to finally get it!” she says. “I still look at the house and cant beliee wee managed to fit all this in. We’re delighted.”


ELAINE’S TOP TIPS


• You have to be realistic – if you want to do something with a ‘DIY’ approach you have to have stamina, perseverance and the capacity for relentless hard work. • Remember there’s a solution to everything, you ust hae to find it. • Think through the consequences of every decision you make. • Don’t always assume the professionals are always right.


www.sbhonline.co.uk 74


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