Smith Self Build Case Study

Andy and Kate have built a beautiful barn-style home in Warwickshire. Kate trains and breeds dogs for a living, so the couple decided to self build in order to accommodate the specific needs this profession requires.

After a three-year search, they found a six-acre plot in Warwickshire which came with an existing property, and purchased it in 2013. They were already aware of Potton from visiting self-build shows, and eventually chose us after being impressed by our zero-pressure sales. The Smiths elected to take advantage of Potton’s architectural design service alongside our timber frame, and also used us for their internal and external joinery.

Their whole home took just under a year to build; they broke ground in July 2018 and were moved in by May 2019. The finished home features a ground source heat pump and solar thermal panels which make it a comfortable and efficient place to live. The Smiths might even add ground-based photovoltaic panels in the future. They managed to stay below their self-build budget for their main dwelling, but later added a large kennels, car port, outbuildings and landscaping that increased their costs.

The result of Andy and Kate’s hard work is a barn-style home with long sightlines that inject light and space. Stylish bifold doors open up the spacious kitchen area to the patio, perfect for outdoor eating and entertaining. Externally, horizontal cladding fulfils the barn look of the property and is in keeping with the local vernacular. Dormer windows add architectural interest as well as opening up internal spaces and raising second-floor ceiling heights.