With daffodils, primroses and bluebells springing up all over Sussex, and the sun making a brief appearance after a painfully long winter, progress and optimism can be felt in the air as we look forward to the light, bright summer days ahead.

The self-builders of this property have even more reason to be cheerful, as the project moves ever closer to completion.

The roofing has been finished, the heritage clay tiles looking beautiful against a backdrop of clear blue skies, and the inside is advancing nicely. The first floor and basement screed has been poured over the underfloor heating pipes, and the first fix plumbing has been fitted. PV solar panels have been installed on an outbuilding to supplement the power requirement to run the ground source heat pump, an important feature for the eco-conscious clients.

The next phase for the build will be first fix electrics and then the plasterboard will be put up, a fundamental step towards the building feeling like a home.