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eaders’ homes | new buildLeft and above: Open-plankitchen was designed toPat’s specifications andincludes a spacious islandunit fitted with a hob andwith a gleaming extractorabove it. Pat decided on afeature wall of mosaic tilingto contrast the white units.Right: A stove warms boththe kitchen and adjoiningopen-plan dining areaarea that Tony built himself. It extends the full width ofthe house with steps down to the garden and the hardlandscaped driveway. “Once we had decided on the designand layout considerations, I left the construction decisionsto Tony,” says Pat. “I made my input when we came to thekitchen of course and the decor such as selecting the floorand wall tiles and the light fittings; what you might call the‘nice’ bits. It was all very interesting and exciting seeing thehouse shoot up so quickly, and the end result is superb. It’sexactly what we wanted.”The gleaming interior has a double-glazed dooropening into a wide entrance hall with a staircase leadingup to the first floor and an open-plan living area. Thehouse is brimming with natural light, a facet Tony andPatricia were determined to have. “One of the things weespecially wanted was a bright house so we could seeoutside rather than staring at walls,” says Tony. “From theupstairs sitting area we have wonderful views of thefarmland surrounding the house and can enjoy the gxxxTony’s top tipsPlanning and preparation are paramount. Startearly, then refine and refine. Knowing what youwant to do before you actually get round to it isthe secret to successIf you’re not taking the ‘turnkey’ option andyou’re going to do some of the work yourself,you’ll need to draw up priority lists, cost it allthen add a big contingency expense. It alwaysworks out more than you think it willIt can be difficult to envisage what the livingspace will look and feel like so think really hardand be absolutely sure about lights, switches,power, TV and telephone points, working outexactly where you want themAUGUST 2011 | Build It 47