Bespoke Commissions

In addition to building and selling my standard houses I also undertake bespoke commissions for customers. I do two types of bespoke work:

(1) Completely bespoke commissions

(2) Customisation of existing standard models

Both result in the creation of a house that is unique to you*. Here is a little about what each type of bespoke work involves:

Completely bespoke commissions

I am always pleased to hear from customers who want a completely bespoke house designed and built ("custom doll house" in the US) as these are usually challenging and enjoyable to design and execute. I particularly like to work closely with the customer from creation of the CAD drawings and sign-off of the specification, to weekly emailing of digital progress pictures.

Here is an example of a recent commission inspired by "Longbourn", home to the Bennett family in the 1995 BBC TV drama series "Pride and Prejudice":

Mr Bennett's study with full panelling, shelved alcoves,
window seat and bespoke fireplace.

Longbourn House interior from the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice.

Entrance hall with bespoke fireplace.

Porch and fancy door case.

Kitchen with opening bread oven, hob grate,
chimney crane and range.

Longbourn House from the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice.

Panelled drawing room with shelved alcoves and window seats.

Detail showing door with side-mounted hinges.

Jane's bedroom with bespoke fireplace and period Susan Bembridge wallpaper.

View from the back bedroom towards the stairs.

Elizabeth's bedroom with window seat.

Mrs Bennett's panelled bedroom with bespoke fireplace and window seats.

Landing and stairs viewed from Mrs Bennett's bedroom.

Customisation of existing standard models

Some customers like to buy a house that looks exactly like the one that they have seen on the website, even down to the choice of room colours. Others like to select options like the choice of exterior finish (see Prices page for details) and room colours selected from the Farrow & Ball colour card. You may choose to have some rooms wallpapered using period papers from, for example, Susan Bembridge.

You may like the basic design of one of my standard houses but see it as a starting point for adaptation to suit your exact needs. These changes may be simple, for example: additional room panelling; window seats; alternative fire surrounds from makers like Sussex Crafts, Hearth and Home, Sue Cook, Lucy Askew or Phoenix Model Developments; additional ceiling mouldings and additional electric lighting. You may like to specify more complex changes, like increasing ceiling heights, merging or dividing rooms or adding further opening panels.

Panelling in preparation.
Choice of paint colours from the Farrow & Ball range.
Lucy Askew's Adam fireplace.
Phoenix Adam fireplace and grate.
Specially coloured paintwork.
Small World/Forest lighting.
Doors with side-mounted hinges.
Detailed Georgian kitchen with bespoke open grate,
chimney crane & cauldron from Sussex Crafts and Hearth & Home range.
Susan Bembridge wallpaper & bespoke fireplace.

What to do next

If it is possible for you to visit my workshop, this is by far the best way to define what you really want. There are often a number of different models on display that you can get ideas from and discuss options over a cup of coffee. If you live too far away to visit, it is not a problem. I have successfully developed the specifications and CAD drawings for completely bespoke builds having never even met the overseas customer face-to-face!

When you are ready to proceed with the purchase, I will draw up a specification that describes all the options and modifications that were discussed and send you this with a quotation. During the build I can email you with weekly progress pictures so that you can see your house coming together. Some customers also like to visit as their house takes shape: it certainly adds to the excitement of commissioning your very own house.