Client: Colin Evans
Project: Bespoke Design, New Build
Size: 1740 sq. ft.

With over 40 years experience as a builder, Colin Evans immediately spotted the potential of his 10 acre plot with existing cottage. “I was told that I was paying over the odds, but I knew that this was a safe and secure investment”. The site had been untouched for over 40 years and the existing cottage was beyond realistic repair. Planning permission was granted for a new house, which had to more or less adhere to the existing, modest, footprint.

Having always been a lover of wood, Colin knew that only an oak framed house would do and set about choosing a company who could provide a package for both the design and supply of the frame: “I spoke with two providers but chose Welsh Oak Frame because I felt they were more suited to my project and had a more personal approach”. The design process quickly got underway with planning drawings submitted for a slightly larger home, “We decided to hedge our bets a little and applied for a larger design which really got the best out of the site.” After a period of negotiation with the planners, permission was finally achieved for Colin’s chosen design and work on site was able to get started. ’

Once the ground-works were complete with basic strip foundations and concrete slab as a base for the frame, the team from Welsh Oak Frame were scheduled to arrive on site. The frame and infill panels were fully completed within five weeks and it wasn’t long before it was time for Colin to start thinking about first and second-fixes and interior finishing. “The chaps from Welsh Oak Frame were very enthusiastic and everyone worked well together; it really helps if you’re all talking the same language”, tells Colin. This beautiful, traditional home was completed in 15 months and is accentuated by its wonderful surroundings, including a 1-acre lake which Colin has stocked with fish and ducks.