John and Jenny had never considered building their own home, or even moving from their existing property, until a rare opportunity arose in their local village.
A half-acre plot of land became unexpectedly available when a friend, the owner, was let down during a sale. Situated in a picturesque rural location between Tenterden and Rye, the site offered the perfect blend of countryside living and a close-knit community setting.
Aware of Scandia-Hus’s reputation and with the company located in the neighbouring county, the couple visited the Self Build Show Centre to explore their options. Viewing the timber frame homes on display and meeting with the team gave them the confidence in the company’s expertise, professionalism and reliability.
Looking through Scandia’s house designs for inspiration, John and Jenny found a model that would sit comfortably within the existing street scene. The surrounding area is characterised by traditional cottages clad in white weatherboarding and clay tiles, and they wanted their new home to complement this local vernacular.
The design they selected was a charming dormer bungalow finished in soft cream render and warm clay tiles. Its low-profile form and symmetrical façade help it to blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a home that feels both timeless and appropriate for its rural surroundings.
Whilst the design was well received, the planning process presented an unexpected challenge. Bats were discovered on the site, resulting in additional ecological requirements, increased costs and a six-month delay. Reflecting on the experience, John and Jenny advise prospective self-builders to allow between nine and twelve months to obtain planning consent, as unforeseen issues can easily extend timescales.
Once planning approval was secured, construction progressed smoothly, and just eleven months later the new home was complete. Entering the property through a solid oak front door, visitors are greeted by a spacious entrance hall featuring an elegant timber staircase illuminated by Velux rooflights above. The ground floor includes a cosy living room with a woodburning stove and French doors opening onto the garden. At the heart of the home is a colourful country kitchen, complete with an Everhot range cooker and central island, which flows effortlessly into the dining and sitting areas to create a sociable family space.
The ground floor also accommodates a bedroom and shower room. Upstairs there are three further bedrooms and two bathrooms. Traditional plank-and-batten doors with rustic black ironmongery add character throughout the first floor, while carefully chosen colours, patterns and personal furnishings ensure the new home feels warm, individual and welcoming.
As with all Scandia-Hus homes, energy efficiency was a key consideration. The timber frame structure is complemented by high-performance insulation, solar panels and an air source heat pump, resulting in a highly efficient home with low running costs and year-round comfort.
John and Jenny are delighted with the outcome. What began as an unexpected opportunity has become their forever home, a beautifully crafted house that perfectly suits their lifestyle and one they hope they will never need to leave.
Location: Kent
Build Timeline: 11 Months
Size: Approximately 3,000 sq. ft. (approx. 280 sq.m)
Build Cost: A typical house this size would cost approximately between £720,000 – £930,000 to build, see our price guide for more details.
Testimonial:
“We knew of Scandia and that they were sufficiently local for us to go and look at show houses. We were reassured of their competence and reliability after meeting Derek and Nicole. We continue to recommend them to others.”
Ground Floor Plan:
First Floor Plan:
