Pauline and Frank Mace took their time to build this efficient timber frame home, taking care of as many jobs as they could themselves to save on costs

WORDS REBECCA FOSTER

PHOTOS SHOOTING REELS

Pauline and Frank Mace loved living in their home in Monmouthshire and its far-reaching valley views. But when Pauline had a motorcycle accident in 2007, it quickly became apparent the property was no longer suitable. “Pauline injured her leg quite badly in the collision and our house was on a slope – we needed something flat,” says Frank.

The pair began their hunt for a new house that would cater to their requirements, but after more than five years spent searching for the ideal candidate, they failed to track down anything that ticked the right boxes. It was at that point Pauline and Frank decided to design and build a bespoke house for themselves. As well as their aspirations for a house that could be futureproofed and designed around Pauline’s mobility requirements, the Maces were keen to create a comfortable, modern home built to Passivhaus standards.

“We were fairly open-minded when it came to the area, though we wanted to be near to our children and friends,” says Frank. After two years spent searching for the ideal patch of land, it was only by chance that Frank spotted the perfect plot whilst out riding his motorbike. “I saw the ‘for sale’ sign, popped my head over the fence and was instantly interested,” he says. “I came back with Pauline, who liked the look of the site as well, so things went from there.”

The large, flat plot, which offered the glorious rural views Pauline and Frank craved, came with planning permission for two homes. “There was an adjoining field, too,” says Frank. “Our strategy was to go for both pieces of land so we could keep an open area as a buffer that no one else would be able to build on and spoil the view,” he says. The site was also conveniently situated for access to local facilities.

Though the plot had been up for sale for a while, no other offers had been made on it – until the point at which Pauline and Frank decided to try and buy it. However, luck was on the couple’s side, and the seller went with their bid. For Pauline, completing the purchase of the land was one of the high points of project. “It’s only because we were cash buyers that we got it, so it was exciting,” she says.