With just a few weeks away from our first custom home builders moving into their brand new home, we look back on WELLBANK PARK’s journey from derelict site to welcoming its first completed home.
It was back in 2014, when we first encountered the site that was to become WELLBANK PARK. A series of crumbling MOD buildings and wasteland, the site situated on edge of Bootle village, was nestled between the brooding Black Combe Fell and the spectacular south Cumbria coastline. This stunning location clearly had huge potential but was in much need of revitalisation.
SITE CLEARED FOR SERVICED BUILD PLOTS
Having cleared all 12 acres of the site, roads, drainage and curbs were added to create some structure for the building development and landscaping areas. With the levels formed across the whole site and accessability established, we were in a position to start offering fully serviced plots for sale.
SELF BUILD PLOTS FOR SALE!
In August 2023, Mr and Mrs Watson spotted that WELLBANK PARK had self-build plots for sale and were keen to build their own home – to their own specification.
Having fallen in love with the amazing setting, Plot 15 was sold! The plot they chose has fantastic views towards Black Combe fell and on the other side will have views of the two landscaped lakes that will form an integral part of the development.
Working together with Joe Higginson from our custom build partner company Hugr Homes, the couple started the process of designing their house. With Joe guiding them through each step of the way, they were able to chose a layout that would precisely fit their needs. Being able to define exactly how they wanted to live in their new home, they were able to specify the features that they really wanted. Features such as a Juliet balcony in their master bedroom to take full advantage of the scenery.
THE CUSTOM BUILD FOUNDATIONS ARE LAID
On a beautifully sunny day in Spring 2024, three concrete wangs and four men were pouring the concrete for the foundations of the Watson’s new home.
Once the foundations were set, the building block work quickly followed and the house started to take shape. It was amazing to see how the dimensions changed from looking like a relatively small space to looking like a very large house!
THE CUSTOM BUILD WORK BEGINS
Once the blocks reached a around a metre high the Fleming Homes timber frame was installed and the house really started to take shape.
With further blockwork completed, the roof trussers were craned into place onto the build and the house structure was very quickly fully formed.
Further into Spring 2024, with windows and roof installed, the house was watertight and the first fix inside the house could begin. Burlington Slates from the nearby quarry were installed onto the roof, alongside solar PV panels from E-Leck Energy that would ensure an energy efficient home for the Watsons.
SITE LANDSCAPING WORK BEGINS
While the internal rooms were being completed on the first house, the landscaping work around the site started in earnest.
Now into Spring, one of the pathways has been laid down and the fruit trees for the orchard are being planted. Along with the wildflower borders created for us by Cumbria Wild Flowers, this was also where the award-winning SuDS System has been installed.
In the background, you can also see that further custom house builds are underway at the WELLBANK PARK site. Plots 6 and 8 are due to be completed this Autumn 2024.
As we reach mid July 2024, Plot 15 is on the verge of completion. Mr and Mrs Watson are now working through choosing floor coverings, tiles, interior colours and thinking about what to do with their garden design. Exciting times as they make plans to move in early August – a year on from choosing their self build plot.
To find out more about Mr and Mrs Watson’s experience of their custom build at WELLBANK PARK – see our related blog: AN INSIDE VIEW ON WELLBANK PARK
For enquiries contact David Nuttall
Tel: 07768 761470 or Email: enquiries@wellbankpark.co.uk
