Georgian Inspired Brick and Block Self Build in London

Beginning the Georgian Inspired Rebuild Project

Next, the project was put out to tender to a list of trusted contractors Satish had worked with previously. “We were able to look at those who applied and pick the best fit,” says Marie. The couple choose JW Hughes Building Contractors, who were neither the most expensive nor cheapest option. “We loved a house they’d previously built and the people at the firm were great to deal with,” says Marie.

Though on-hand to make decisions, the couple left the project management to Satish, who worked closely with the contractors to bring the house together. The first task was the demolition of the existing structure. “This took a month, but when the works for the basement started, we discovered a small watercourse running beneath the house, which hadn’t shown up on the surveys,” says Marie.

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The speckled bricks and grey-blue slate tiles bring further character and texture to the outside of Marie and Brian’s new home

To mitigate this, the basement structure had to be redesigned to incorporate a contiguous pile wall to divert water away. It also triggered a party wall agreement with the neighbours, since the stream passed through their garden.

“This delayed construction by three weeks and cost us £60,000,” says Brian. Another setback came when Coronavirus hit part-way through. “The site was closed for three weeks during the first lockdown,” Marie explains. “Then, close to Christmas, a number of the tradesmen fell ill, so work paused for two more weeks.”

Thankfully, Satish had pre-empted the effects of Brexit on the delivery of materials. “Luckily, we ordered as much as we could in advance, so we weren’t too adversely affected by supply chain issues,” says Marie.

This did mean that the couple had to make their interior decisions very early on, however. “We had many meetings where we would go through every detail, right down to taps and door handles. Satish would provide a list of suppliers and we would choose our preference,” says Brian.

Moving Into the Self Build Home

Despite the setbacks, the property was finished in just 70 weeks. The Georgian-inspired house sits proudly on its plot and doesn’t look out of place in its surroundings. Outside, it boasts both classical materials and incredibly contemporary elements, blending details like bespoke, mitered glass picture windows and hand-crafted stone traceries.

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The Georgian-inspired property boasts plenty of wow factor, with complete symmetry, striking glazing and exterior lighting for a dramatic look

Inside, an imposing hallway with a soaring ceiling gives way to a WC and music room on the left; a formal dining room on the right; and a large, broken-plan living space at the rear, complete with a kitchen, breakfast area and cosy lounge. Upstairs there are five bedrooms, while the basement has a gym and entertaining space.

An integrated smart home system allows the family to control their lighting, audio, heating and cooling at the touch of a button, while designer fixtures and recessed lighting add to the home’s high-quality finish. Traditional touches, such as Georgian-inspired coving and classical built-ins provide a nod to the home’s origins.

Sleek and modern, the couple’s kitchen benefits from matt, charcoal-coloured units, crisp white worktops and integrated Miele appliances that add to the home’s smart credentials

With a solid team around them, Marie and Brian found the project fairly stress-free. “The hardest part was having to design the interior so early on,” Marie says. “The number of decisions you have to make is mind-boggling and it can be very difficult to envisage how things will look.” Yet their efforts were worthwhile.

“The best part was being able to move into a wonderful house that was created especially for us.” The couple’s favourite aspect is the fact they both have their own office, which makes working from home a pleasure. “We spend a lot of time as a family in the living room,” Marie says. “We love the piano room, too. It has a beautiful, curved bookcase.”

The front door leads into an impressive entrance hall, with a three-storey ceiling, a statement staircase and a dramatic light fixture that draws the eye upwards

As for regrets, the couple only has one. “We wish we’d installed radiators where we have underfloor heating,” Marie explains. “We’ve found it not to be sufficient by itself.” Having finished their dream gehome, Marie and Brian have reflected on the challenges and rewards of self building and haven’t been deterred by the process. “Once is probably enough, but never say never,” she says.

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