Method to the 'Madness?'

"Yes" there was real and innovative method to our madness. Every part of bringing Downley to life needed absolute commitment from the experienced, hand-picked team that controlled the process. From finding the site and gaining planning, to project completion, what we didn't know, we learned.

There are plenty of contractors that can deliver 'ordinary' luxury new builds, but the process is flawed. Clients are often penalised for changing their minds. Overpriced variations can unfairly limit the freedom of choice they should be entitled to. All too often projects run over budget and relationships fracture, leaving a partially built scheme, and a client in an expensive and stressful situation.

We knew that we wanted to create an extraordinary, hand-built home. To achieve that we recognised it was critical to retain ownership and control of the whole process. We had to have the freedom to explore our ideas as the building evolved from concept to reality. In short, we didn't want to be constrained by a traditional building contract.

That's why Downley was built without a main contractor. We appointed our own construction management team, which delivered the house on time, and on budget. Design detail and construction flowed together. Important details were designed as needed, and incorporated throughout the construction program.

What's next?

The premise is very simple. Take what we've learned and apply it to the next project. The drafting pens are ready and we are now searching high and low for another very special location to build the next extraordinary home in the UK.

So, if you have either a site, a restoration or a new project that you'd like to explore, we'd be very pleased to give you our considered thoughts.