Speedy self build
A chance encounter with a local estate agent led Cameron and Angie McMillan to buy a plot, design a home, submit planning and build a house in East Sussex all within 18 months
WORDS SOPHIE VENING
The house is part-clad in cedar with the boards fitted in a vertical pattern to create a contemporary look. Cameron and Angie have recently secured planning permission to build a car port in the space
PHOTOS FRASER MARR
FACT FILE
NAMES Cameron & Angie McMillan
OCCUPATIONS Sales, project manager & designer at Scandia Hus & NHS Radiology administrator
LOCATION East Sussex
TYPE OF PROJECT Self build
STYLE Contemporary
PROJECT ROUTE Co-managed with main contractor
PROPERTY SIZE 161m 2
LAND PRICE £190,000
PROJECT COST £362,600
PROJECT COST PER M 2 £2,252
TOTAL COST £552,600
VAT RECLAIMED £1,065
BUILDING WORK COMMENCED May 2020
BUILDING WORK TOOK 31 weeks
Self builders often take years to find the perfect plot where they can develop their dream home. But this was not the case for Cameron and Angie McMillan. They sold their property in West Sussex in July 2019, and moved in to Cameron’s mum’s house next door. They had every intention of spending at least six months working out where they wanted to move to and whether they wanted to self build or renovate.
A mere three days later, a chance encounter with the estate agent who sold their house led them to viewing a garden plot with planning permission for a three-bedroom dwelling, a few miles away in a small East Sussex village. Just a week later, a sale price was agreed and within six months they had planning permission in place – and a team ready to break ground. “Angie didn’t want to buy the plot at first,” says Cameron. “We were both busy with work and she wanted to take the time out to explore our options. But the vendors made us an offer we could not refuse.”
Cameron built a fully-insulted shed in the rear garden