The dream
David and Dianne had never built a house before, but when they found themselves at a stage in life where they wanted a fresh start – something that would eventually lead to retirement – they began exploring their options.
Initially, they were considering buying a home in Norfolk, but everything changed during a trip to Cornwall.
“We were on a drive in north Cornwall and passed a tiny hamlet. There was a plot of land for sale, and we just knew this was where we were meant to be,” David recalled. Within 24 hours, they had secured the land and began searching for a builder who could help them turn their vision into reality.
Choosing Sean Parker Construction
The couple discovered Potton Homes, a company known for timber frame kits. “We loved their designs, but we wanted to adapt them to our own lifestyle,” Dianne explained. Potton recommended Sean Parker Construction as their preferred builder in the area, and after our first meeting, we quickly began working together to bring their dream to life.
From the outset, we focused on balancing their vision with their budget. “Sean asked us upfront how much we wanted to spend, and was very clear about what would push us over budget,” said David.
“Yes, we wanted dormer windows throughout the house,” added Dianne, “but Sean suggested Velux windows to save on costs. Now we lie in bed at night and look up at the stars. It’s actually much nicer.”
Building through challenges
Although Potton Homes provided the kit for the frame of the house, it was our job to make it into a fully realised home.
We handled everything from clearing the site to ensuring all the details were perfect. David and Dianne’s site is on a hill in a high-wind area, which comes with its challenges, but with our local knowledge, we ensured the design was sturdy and future-proof.
“We didn’t realise the difficulties of building on a hill, but thankfully Sean’s team did,” David explained. “Everything, from the roof to the foundation, was designed to stand the test of time.”
The pandemic threw some curveballs too, but we adapted. “There were issues with material shortages,” remembers David, “but Sean was able to find alternatives to make things work without stopping the build. And when a stonemason doubled his price the day before starting, they found a new one within a week at the original cost. We just wouldn’t have been able to do that ourselves.”
Providing tailored solutions
David and Dianne had a clear vision for their home, and throughout the build we helped them achieve it.
“We really wanted exposed beams inside, which Potton couldn’t provide, but Sean’s team made it happen,” Dianne explained.
We also added details like Cornish stone around the base of the house, which gave it a personalised, local touch. “We were worried it might be a bit expensive,” says Dianne, “but Sean told us ‘Don’t worry, we can incorporate it into the cost’! He helped us design the height and placement of the stone, and it really works.”
What’s more, as this was a retirement house, future-proofing was part of the plan. “We mentioned we might want to convert the garage loft into a living space one day, and they advised us to put in the right trusses and staircase during the build to save money. It was brilliant advice,” David said.
The finished home
Now, David and Dianne’s home is exactly what they envisioned – light, airy, and filled with thoughtful touches. “The sunroom is our favourite spot. Even on a dull day, it feels uplifting,” Dianne shared. And the open-plan layout has been perfect for family gatherings. “When family’s over, it feels like we’re all together, no matter what anyone’s doing,” she said.
The couple also love the energy efficiency of their new home. “With the air source heat pump and solar panels, the house practically runs itself,” David said. “In the summer, it’s costing us nothing to run.”
Would they build again?
David and Dianne couldn’t be happier with their decision to build and would definitely do it again. “Our eldest son is already looking for land nearby,” Dianne said with a smile. “The whole experience has been positive, and we would absolutely recommend Sean Parker Construction.
David summed it up best: “Living in this house feels like a privilege. It’s exactly what we wanted, and they helped us make it happen.”