Join Janet Nuttall, co-founder of Wellbank Park and advocate for community-centric design, alongside Joe Higginson from Hugh Gore Homes, as they delve into custom home building. They discuss the shift of urban dwellers to rural landscapes post-COVID, the personalized approach in crafting homes that cater to individual lifestyles, and the importance of community in the self-build journey. Listeners will also discover budget-friendly opportunities and how a strong support network can ease the design and construction process, making dreams a reality.
Custom builds offer a guided experience that allows homeowners to actively participate in home design while avoiding construction complexities.
Wellbank Park emphasizes community engagement and well-being in home design, creating supportive relationships among residents throughout the building process.
Deep dives
Understanding Custom Build
Custom build offers an approach where buyers engage in the design and development of their homes with professional support throughout the process. Unlike traditional self-builds where individuals manage many tasks themselves, custom builds provide a guided experience from selecting a plot to final construction. This support structure allows homeowners to express their preferences for layout and specifications while ensuring that the build remains within budget. Ultimately, this model caters to those who wish to be involved in the design while avoiding the complexities of construction management.
Wellbank's Unique Features
Wellbank Park stands out due to its scenic location in the Lake District National Park, offering a blend of natural beauty and community amenities. The site consists of 50 serviced plots where essential utilities are provided, allowing home builders to focus solely on their designs. Wellbank emphasizes well-being in home design, promoting environments that enhance the quality of life through thoughtful planning and landscaping. Additionally, the development includes communal areas and facilities such as a leisure hub, emphasizing a community-oriented approach.
Building Community Connections
The community aspect of Wellbank is enhanced by active engagement between residents, fostering relationships among individuals who share similar interests in custom building. Upon moving in, new homeowners often already know their neighbors, having interacted during the construction process. The local community has embraced the development and participates in welcoming newcomers, which contributes to a supportive environment. Efforts to incorporate local resources, such as food producers and recreational spaces, also reinforce the community connection.
Navigating the Building Process
The customer journey in building a home at Wellbank begins with selecting a plot, which can be influenced by the surrounding views and landscape. Once a purchaser has chosen a plot, the design process initiates through discussions about lifestyle needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized approach. This journey culminates in a transparent, fixed-price contract that includes a turnkey solution, allowing clients to manage expectations about costs and timelines effectively. With the backing of local suppliers and established networks, the process is designed to be efficient and stress-free for homeowners.