Savvy couple quoted £1million to build dream new home save £400,000 by doing it themselves
A SAVVY couple who were quoted £1million to build their new house saved £400,000 by designing it themselves.
The ultra-modern property was built on a plot of land in Haringey, north London, which they bought for £750,000.
It was previously the site of a derelict guardhouse which had remained untouched for 30 years.
Penny Talelli and Mark Edwards, both neurologists, decided to work together on creating their dream pad rather than pay out the seven-figure sum.
The creative pair, who have two children, opted for a statement “cube” design, coated in zinc panelling, which combined Penny’s passion for modern art and Mark’s love of more traditional architecture.
The house features a funky bright yellow steel staircase – Penny’s pride and joy – and an ultra contemporary kitchen with a tribute to 19th century designs with chunky dark wood, distressed cabinets.
The spacious living area boasts large windows overlooking the garden and patio doors, which let in plenty of natural light.
The furnishings are predominantly neutral, natural colours, with leather, marble and wrought iron giving the home cutting edge appeal.
Their spacious bathroom continues the dark wood theme and features his and hers sinks as well as eye-catching blue tiles on the wall behind the bath.
The couple’s stunning home features on tonight’s (Wednesday) episode of Grand Designs on Channel 4.
Penny explains: “I love modern architecture. You can express yourself via the building.
“You get yourself a plot and say, ‘I’m going to build a house that’s me.'”
Mark admitted that he’d fallen in love with the original guardhouse on the plot and the duo initially tried to build the new property around it, but the foundations were too weak, meaning that it had to be demolished.
However, Mark insisted that they saved the windows from the old building, which cost £3,000 to restore – double the cost of replacement windows.
Due to the home’s unusual shape, the foundations needed 42 pillars, which came with a £150,000 bill.
The project took two-and-a-half years to complete, but the couple say they are delighted with their new house.
Mark said: “It shows you what is possible, I think, by doing it yourself.
“We’ve invested so much time and thought into all the different bits in it that when you see them, it does something good for you inside.
“It has an internal consistency because it’s the story of us, the story of both of us, somehow it’s all in here.”
Last year we told how a couple splashed £175,000 converting a simple 1960s bungalow into an incredible modern home – but the neighbours HATE it.