Cottage comforts

Cottage comfor ts

This traditional-style country cottage was built using modern methods of construction.

“ W e first became aware of the development by chance when we were out for a drive on a Sunday afternoon,” recalls Kevin Swift of his first sighting of an exclusive housing development in Herefordshire. “We were so impressed with the style of development that we drove onto the site even though we were not considering a move.”

While Kevin and his wife Kate were ‘having a nosy’ around a partly completed cottage, the couple were approached by a man who turned out to be the developer, Les Chambers, who asked if they would like to have a look inside.

“Les explained that the houses were being built using timber-frame construction which provided excellent insulation and would therefore keep heating costs low,” continues Kevin. “He also pointed out that the construction technique made it easy to redesign the floorplan if needed in the future – bedrooms two and three, for example, could be made into one quite easily, if required.”

In the past the Swifts had considered buying a cottage, but were put off because those they had seen tended

EXTERIOR

Externally, the brick-clad timber-frame home has a traditional countrycottage appearance. to have small windows, making them dark inside, and also because of the potential maintenance costs.

“We could see immediately that this property would give us everything we wanted – a modern house with a cottage design, plenty of light and low maintenance. We also would be living on a small development with close neighbours, which is desirable as you get older,” says Kate.

“Even though the property was still to be completed, having listened to what Les had to say we decided there and then that we wanted to buy it. We made arrangements the next day to put our existing house up for sale." The property sold within two weeks and the Swifts moved into their new home five days before Christmas 2018.

“We have now been in Acorn Cottage for over three years and have absolutely no regrets about the decision we made on that Sunday afternoon,” says Kevin. “This is the first property we have owned in which the temperature is constant. The lounge and kitchen are probably our favourite rooms, but the cottage character can be found throughout the house.”

During their time at Acorn Cottage, three further houses have been built on the estate, giving the Swifts an insight into the construction process from start to finish. This has confirmed their initial belief that

The STA defines the standards for the use of timber building systems in the UK

■ Self builders choosing and STA member will be backed by a members’ quality standard assessment – the STA Assure Membership and Quality Standards Scheme.

■ Off site manufactured structural timber systems have advanced greatly in recent years, and they can off er genuine cost, programme and performance assurances for self-builders – especially when backed by STA Assure.

■ STA Assure reassures customers that our members meet or even exceed current legislation and regulatory requirements.

■ STA Assure is formally recognised by six of the industry leading structural warranty and building control bodies including: LABC Warranty, Premier Guarantee, Protek Warranty, Build-Zone Warranty, Self-Build Zone Warranty and ABC+ Warranty

■ STA members operate to the Site Safe scheme – an initiative to ensure timber construction is both safe and sustainable

■ STA members fully support sustainable construction and quality standards through adherence to our Code of Conduct

By providing transparency, credibility and accountability, the STA safeguards the interests of customers, enabling them to partner with a reputable firm that will harness the multitude of inherent benefits that structural timber frame off ers.

There is a wealth of information on the STA’s website, from advice on timber systems to market reports and top building tips together with an online members enquiry system.