ATV Today: 24.08.1971: DIY House

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Summary

Peter Green meets Brian Downes and his wife Robin who have built their own house at Ackton Trussle near Stafford.

Year:

1971

Duration:

0:06:06

Film type:

Colour / Sound

Company:

ATV

Master format:

16mm

Description

Peter Green's voice over accompanies a static image of the new bungalow which has a large leafy garden. The market value has suggested it is worth £16,000 at least, but that it could be built by the owners for a fraction of the cost.

Mr Downes is interviewed about why they decided to build the house and he says that they couldn’t afford much that was on the market. They then decided to build a house themselves and gemmed up with books on how to do it.

They had £1800 between the two of them and they bought the land and then got a mortgage.
Altogether it cost them £6000 including the garden. They worked all weekends and every weekday evening to complete on time. Shots from all sides of the modern house are seen.

The inside footage shows the three levels of the house, connected by gently sloping ramps. Features of the house, such as the fireplace are seen and talked about by Brian. The kitchen, as Robin’s area, was mostly designed by her.

They then discuss the garden, which features a waterfall and pond and pathways. The story ends with Brian’s tips for other who may wish to build their own home which include, drawing up your budget and then employing an architect with whom you can work closely with. He says that an architect is very important and their skill will be reflected in the value of the house when it is finished.


Credits

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