DIY Self-build, Cambridgeshire

Best Value for Money

“A real DIY self-build” is how John Price describes his and Jill’s four year project to build a traditional style home on the site of a former Colt bungalow in a pretty Cambridgeshire village. John took on 95% of the project himself on a DIY basis, including demolishing the existing bungalow, laying the beam and block floors, all the blockwork, installing the windows and internal fittings such as the kitchen, flooring and even staircase, which he made himself. The result is a beautiful traditional East Anglian design with black shiplap cladding and a large farmhouse style kitchen, which opens onto the private patio through sliding doors. The project cost £126,000 (£455/m²)

Tweets On This Property

"An almost unbelievably low build cost; a charming timber-clad Fens-style family home; a plot backing onto a river. John and Jill have shown what’s really possible given determination, time and just a little DIY know-how."

Jason Orme, Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine

"Despite being completed for just £450/m² (consider that the most expensive projects in this year’s awards cost from £3-4,000/m²) the design and build quality are both excellent, as are the finishes."

Michael Holmes, Editor-in-Chief of Homebuilding & Renovating, Period Living and Real Homes magazines

"Unbelievable tale of great home literally self built block by block by a couple in their 70's! What skill and perseverance and value for money. Especially lovely and characterful kitchen."

Peter Harris, Managing Director of Centaur Special Interest Media

"John is 70 and built the house himself over four and a half years – they don’t make men like that anymore."

Angela Pertusini, former Editor of The Daily Telegraph’s award-winning Property section

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