May 2018

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Worth the Wait

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Site conditions meant Simon and Carole Murphy had to wait a year before starting their build, giving them plenty of time to plan their new home. The red brick house embraces Kent traditions, with a cat slide roof, clay roof tiles and hanging tiles. Inside, engineered oak floors and wooden furniture create a warm, cosy retreat. “A self-build project consumes every spare minute of your life," says Carole, but the end project was more than she could possibly have hoped for.

Natural Habitat

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Gus and Viola Ambler have meticulously converted an 18th-century brick and flint Norfolk barn into a luxurious property with rural views. “It was important to honour the existing building, which is believed to have been built in 1750,” reflects Gus. Previously used for grain storage as one of a range of farm buildings, externally the barn boasts large north- and south-facing sandstone terraces with open farmland views.

Art House

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Property development and interiors expert Vanessa Reeves has renovated and extended a large terraced house in Battersea, filling it with ornate furniture, artwork and sculptures. All four bedrooms are decorated in classic styles, achieved using a varied choice of light and dark finishes. “I didn’t want a modern kitchen - it wasn’t meant to make a statement,” Vanessa explains.

Home by the Water

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Featuring a dramatic curved roof and a futuristic glazed front facade, Carn Eithen is a contemporary energy-efficient house that embraces its coastal location. Only the second new home to be built in the Pembrokeshire National Park in more than 30 years, it acts as a low maintenance holiday home to accommodate a large number of people and make the most of views over St Brides Bay.

An Eye for Detail

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It took just six months to transform Yoko and Andrew Kloeden’s Victorian semi. Having remained untouched for almost 30 years, the brick walled garden was covered with ivy and filled with overgrown trees and bushes when the family bought the house. They stripped it back to a shell, converted the loft, built a rear extension and redesigned each room to create a tranquil retreat. The old side extension was demolished and turned into one large open-plan area.

Advice - Bathrooms

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Our guide to achieving a well-planned bathroom, whether it is a tiny en suite or a luxurious spa-style wet room. We look at positioning, installation and Building Regulations, along with choosing the right sanitaryware and fittings to meet your needs.

This Guide is one of our series of Beginners Guides: Next Steps - available online to SelfBuild & Design subscribers

See all Beginners Guides: Next Steps »

 

Interiors - Parisian Flavour

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TV chef Rachel Khoo has created a new design in her west London home with the help of deVOL Kitchens. Eclectic with fresh pea cabinetry, reclaimed worktops and quirky extras, Rachel sourced many of the products herself, from Mexican imported wall tiles to the black slate floor.

Interview with Jeremy Christophers

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Leader of the Teignbridge Council, Jeremy built his own home at a young age and is passionate about bringing self and custom build to a wider audience. In 2017, he was invited to join the National Custom and Self Build Association’s Task Force as an expert ambassador, to help boost and integrate custom- and self-build housing across the UK.

Spotlight on Sheds and Garden Buildings

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For many of us, having a quiet place to relax is essential, and a garden, gazebo or summer house provides the ideal setting for a peaceful afternoon. We look at a range of garden structures and buildings, from basic models to more high-end pieces, to help you make the most of the great outdoors this summer.

Expert Advice

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Legal advice: property law specialist Guy Elyahou takes a look at different insurance options.

PlotDoctor Roy Speer looks at building in a National Park.

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