We did not set out to self-build, and found Cleve Prior by chance whilst looking for a restoration project in Lancashire . We had viewed a large house in the centre of Clitheroe which was to be auctioned. The agent selling Cleve Prior had only recently been instructed, and didn't have the keys. We viewed it externally, in the dark, and offered the asking price as we liked the site and the location. He who dares......

We expected to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment, but 6 months of living in Cleve Prior convinced us that it has no intrinsic merits. We concluded that self build is the way to get exactly what we want. It is very difficult to find a suitable building plot in this area, so we will demolish the 1950/70s 3 bed bungalow and replace it with a low energy house on two floors.

Ribble Valley Borough Council granted planning permission for our design on 11 February 2003, but Lancashire Highways Department closed the road on 15 February 2003 leading to an unexpected delay of 3 months. We began building the garage block on 28 July 2003.

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Last updated 3 May 2004

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