In it for the journey
The couple’s first project together was a little bungalow in Essex. This renovation was one of their hardest projects as they soon learnt that undoing other people’s work can be harder than starting from scratch.
Roughly every four years, they have taken on a self-build project, not because they needed a bigger house - but because they enjoy the process.
If you don’t enjoy the process and if all you are focused on is the end product, then don’t to it. You’ve got to be in it for the journey
Start your own self build journey today by attending
The National Self Build & Renovation Show
(30th January - 1st February | Doors 9am - 5pm)
From forgotten ruins to new home
Upon finding the derelict remains of Mount Mill, the footprint looked quite small, but the thickness of the original stone walls revealed hidden potential. With help from a more sympathetic planning officer, they were able to justify a new home using the original footprint with a little extra.
The project was challenging; it was a ruin that hadn’t been touch for over a century, the site was full of rubble and rubbish that had to be excavated. They took the stone from the site and cleaned it so it could be reused. Using Fleming Homes for the timber frame, and a local joiner for the oak frame, they finished the house in 2016.
They hoped this home would see them into retirement. Its size and overall cost made it well suited to be their final house, although in typical Gavin and Nicky style, in 2025 they built another Fleming Homes timber frame in the plot next door.
Designed by Feel
Nicky admitted she’s not a designer, she just knows what she likes and enjoys looking through magazines and responds instinctively to what feels right. An occupational therapist by profession - however she has always had a creative mind.
Building a house – it’s just like a huge shopping list, from everything from the structure down to the door handles – it’s just that you are using your mortgage to pay for it.
Built for Speed and Efficiency
Speed and efficiency are key reasons they return to timber frame construction. Along with it being a cost-efficient construction method.
It’s quick! You see the results really quickly when you get on site. The best day is the day the windows go in. Second best day is when the scaffolding comes down. You get a real buzz - look we’ve got a house already!
Five Builds, One Trusted Timber Frame Company
Nicky & Gavin have used Fleming Homes for five of their self-builds. Their trust comes from consistency and collaboration. The couple used an architect for their first two builds; however they now prefer going through Fleming Homes design process.
We’ve never been let down, they’ve always been approachable and accommodating and we know we’re going to get a good product.
Nicky and Gavin’s Top Tips 💡
Nicky and Gavin’s advice is practical and honest: be realistic about what you can get with your budget. Be savvy when buying your plot and sort out all legal matters at the start. For example, check that a landowner doesn’t charge you every time you need access to the site. Also - expect to compromise when it comes to planning.
Don’t impose rigid deadlines - and don’t sit back and wait for it to happen; treat it like a journey and be open to where it is going to take you. And most importantly,
Don’t be wedded to specifics. Be wedded to the process and enjoy it.
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