New build for a NEW LIFE

When Shelagh Krasno decided to build her own home on an old tennis court, getting the right team to help was crucial

- NICK ROBBINS

EXTERIOR

Shelagh built her timber-framed home with lots of windows to let in light, and designed the garden herself. In-frame glazing, worleglassandjoineryltd.co.uk. Oak framing, westwindoak.com

At the end of a lane, deep in the heart of rural Hampshire, sits Fox Pightle. With its weatherboard exterior and garden of mature trees and shrubs, the new build looks every inch the picture-postcard country home.

When Shelagh Krasno found herself newly single in 2015, she spotted an opportunity to build a new house in the garden of her previous family home. 'I wasn't sure where to start, sol sought inspiration in magazines and found a cottage I liked the look of,' says Shelagh.

She then got in touch with Frank Dowling, who'd once designed an extension for her at her previous home. 'Frank was happy to help and pass on his contacts, and he quickly made some initial drawings so I could apply for planning permission,' she adds.

Shelagh had more definite ideas now for her dream home. 'Having once lived in a period timber-framed property, I was keen to incorporate oak framing but in a lighter, more modern way,' says Shelagh. The design included an open-plan living space and a guest wing with a ground-floor bedroom for her father, and a cosy sitting room - features made possible by the L-shaped design. Dormers were added to the pitched roof to create a two-storey property, providing two more bedrooms with en suites upstairs.

Approval for the plans didn't come easily, however. The plot is located outside the settlement boundary of several nearby villages, and the initial application was rejected. Undaunted, Shelagh approached a local councillor for advice and he ended up speaking on her behalf the next time, as well as Frank, and her plans were approved.