Having lived in historic homes for many years, Mariya and Dermot were ready for something different.
They wanted a modern, energy-efficient home that would not only suit their lifestyle today but also support them as they grew older. Accessibility was central to the brief, with walk-in showers, spacious dressing areas, and a lift connecting the different floors, all considered essential features. Equally important was creating a bright, welcoming environment with generous ceiling heights and open-plan living spaces. The vision was for a contemporary home that felt warm, practical, and connected to its surroundings.
At the time, the couple were living in a substantial detached Edwardian house overlooking Alexandra Park in Hastings, one of the UK’s finest urban parks. They loved the location, which offered easy access to both Hastings Old Town and the town centre, as well as the seafront. Rather than searching for a plot elsewhere, they began exploring the possibility of building within their own grounds.
The house itself was situated within a conservation area, but the extensive garden was actually on a separate land title and so offered potential for development. Historically, the site had formed part of a local sandstone quarry and featured a steep hillside. Although they were initially advised that the challenging topography could present difficulties, the couple remained optimistic. After all, much of Hastings has been built on similarly sloping terrain.
Their search for a suitable building partner led them to Scandia-Hus. Reassured by the company’s 50-year track record and numerous positive client testimonials, they began exploring the range of timber-frame homes available. One design in particular caught their attention: The Willows, a contemporary bungalow that provided an ideal starting point for their plans.
During their initial consultation with Scandia-Hus, they discovered that the design could be extensively customised. Working closely with the team, they adapted the layout to suit their specific requirements and incorporated a number of bespoke features. Recognising the opportunities presented by the sloping site, their project manager proposed creating additional accommodation space by incorporating a double garage beneath the main living level. The couple also customised the exterior appearance, selecting darker cladding inspired by the iconic black fishing net huts that line Hastings Old Town beach, helping the house feel rooted in its local context.
Scandia-Hus provided a turnkey service, and so managed the entire project, starting with producing the design, guiding the development through planning and securing approval for the build. Groundworks for the driveway, retaining walls and foundations were challenging, with delays caused by exceptionally wet weather. Site access and steep ground conditions caused difficulties during construction, nevertheless, through careful project management and perseverance, the home was completed in July 2025.
Sustainability and low running costs were key priorities throughout the project. The house has been equipped with solar panels and battery storage, allowing the couple to make the most of renewable energy generation, and an air source heat pump combined with underfloor heating provides comfortable, economical warmth throughout the home. A large rainwater harvesting tank installed in the front garden supplies water for irrigation during the summer months, further reducing environmental impact.
Today, the couple enjoy a warm, light-filled home with spectacular views across Alexandra Park and towards the High Weald beyond. The interiors combine clean architectural lines with Scandinavian and mid-century influences, creating a calm and uncluttered living environment. At the heart of the two-bedroom house is a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area with a triple aspect. Large sliding doors, rooflights, and windows flood the room with natural light throughout the day. The sliding doors open onto a raised deck, providing an ideal place to relax while enjoying the surrounding landscape. Character has been introduced through thoughtful design details, including a bespoke stained-glass panel in the front door, bold kitchen cabinetry, and colourful tiles that add personality to the new home.
Reflecting back on the project, the couple enjoyed watching the progress of their new house taking shape and they found it particularly interesting visiting the Scandia-Hus factory to see their timber frame being manufactured – a highlight of the entire experience. They recommend that anyone embarking on a self-build sets aside a healthy contingency fund. Groundworks can be unpredictable, and unforeseen challenges often arise once construction begins. They also note that homeowners may discover additional features or improvements they wish to include as the build progresses.
Would they self-build again? The answer is yes – although they admit it is unlikely, simply because they have created a home that perfectly meets their needs. They are grateful to everyone involved in bringing the project to life and would not hesitate to recommend Scandia-Hus to anyone considering building their own home.
Location: East Sussex
Size: Approximately 184sq.m / 1980sq.ft
Build Cost: A typical house this size would cost from £475,200 – £613,800, see our self build price guide page for more details.
Testimonial: “We found dealing with them [Scandia] efficient, interesting and very friendly and highly recommend their services and personnel… A big thank you to everyone involved in the build who made it possible.”
Floorplan:
