Close range

Anne and Brian Wildey’s dream plot was hidden in plain sight, as their own garden offered the perfect setting for a new timber frame home that makes the most of beautiful mountain views

WORDS SOPHIE GALE PHOTOS CAMILLA REYNOLDS

It was during a quiet stroll in their garden one summer’s evening that the idea for a self build project first took shape in the minds of retired couple Anne and Brian Wildey. They had recently relocated to the peaceful village of Garway, Herefordshire, near the Welsh border, with no plans to build from scratch. But as they ambled round their 1.3 acres, the old croquet lawn presented an obvious opportunity and inspiration struck.

The patch of land was large and level, plus it faced towards the Black Mountains and was conveniently clear of shrubs and trees.

Anne and Brian were finding their 200-year-old cottage a touch dark and damp, so building a new home off ered a way to stay in the location they loved, while providing the light and space they craved.

The couple found it easy to envisage the new house; they imagined airy, open-plan living spaces with large windows that soaked up the surrounding mountain views. They wanted it to have a traditional feel, with a brick and render facade to remain in-keeping with other properties in the area. It would have a conservatory, solar panels and a wetroom to wash down their golden retriever and new puppy after muddy walks in the countryside. They even knew what they were going to call it: Gardd y Ffin, which means ‘garden on the border’.

Having previously self built in Dorset 20 years earlier, the couple had no qualms about taking on the practicalities of another project.

Back then, day-to-day works were managed by a specialist building company, but the couple still gained useful insights. “We always said there were things we’d do differently, such as using local trades and keeping a closer eye on works,” says Anne. “Now was our chance.”

They decided to go with a timber frame construction method, which had proven to be efficient and good value in their last scheme.