JANE CRITTENDEN
@The pretty oak frame cottage sits on a one-and-half acre plot with its own pond and woodlands. Handmade clay roof tiles and oak detail around the porch draw the cottage style together
JEREMY PHILLIPS
Victor and Helen Day are self build veterans, having created six of their previous houses during the last 35 years. However, this is the couple’s first venture into the oak frame method, which earned them an accolade for Best Oak Frame House at the 2018 Build It Awards. Victor, who jointly owns a construction business with his brother, has been a bricklayer since he was in his teens and wanted to explore a new challenge. “Helen and I have always lived in new houses that I’ve developed in brick and block,” he says. “This time around, we wanted a property with the character that comes with oak, plus space to accommodate Helen’s parents and my office.”